Scammer dating websites

A recent study indicates that 15 percent of American adults use online dating websites or mobile applications. As the number of people looking to meet new people online grows, so does the opportunity for fraud. Some scam artists use bogus profiles to con the people they meet out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. This leaves many victims not only embarrassed but also in financial distress. It is important for online users to be on the look-out for online dating and romance scams. It can happen like this:.

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details. Dating and romance scams may also use email to make contact and they have even been known to telephone their victims as a first introduction. Scammers will often create very realistic profiles online, and will share information to seem quite legitimate. They are likely to target over 45s who are looking for relationships and are in a comfortable financial position. Scammers will aim to gain your trust and friendship, and will then seek an opportunity to ask for assistance to pay for flights, medical bills etc. Consumer Affairs regulators are urging consumers to stay vigilant online, particularly while engaging with international persons.

Around 7. But just as dating app users are at an all-time high, so is the number of people becoming victims of online dating fraud. Con artists are increasingly creating fake online profiles and tricking people on dating sites into handing over often large sums of money. One of the most common techniques is to build up trust with the person by messaging for weeks or even months before suddenly having an emergency - the fake person being mugged but their daughter needing urgent surgery, for example - and asking for money.

Learn how to spot and avoid common scams with the AARP fraud resource center. Try it today! He was the answer to her prayers. Before she knew it, her savings were gone. And the man of her dreams?