How can I tell if a woman I'm talking to on a dating site might be using a fake profile, especially if she claims to be from overseas?

One tell-tale sign of a fake profile is an attractive profile picture that looks too good to be true [1]. Additionally, be wary if they are flaky and always bail on meeting in person or even on a video call , or if they give you their number but never show their faces [2]. Scammers often use fake identities to fool victims with stolen photos and information [3]. You should also be cautious of dating service scams where fake dating sites use fake profiles and promises to lure users [4].

What are some common tactics used in online dating scams that I should be aware of when looking for a serious relationship with someone online?

Common tactics in online dating scams include catfishing , where scammers use fake identities [3], and emotional begging , where they try to win your trust and then ask for money or financial details for emergencies [5]. Phishing is another tactic where scammers use fake accounts to get personal information that can be used for identity theft [6]. Be aware of inheritance scams where someone claims to have inheritance funds but needs you to pay a fee to claim it [7], and money mule scams where they send you money and ask you to forward it in other forms, potentially involving you in money laundering [1].

If someone I meet online quickly asks for money to deal with an emergency or to travel to see me, is this a red flag for a potential scam?

Yes, if someone you meet online quickly asks for money for any reason, especially for emergencies or to travel to see you, it should be a major red flag [5, 7]. Scammers often use every excuse in the book to squeeze money out of their victims [5]. Be especially cautious if they promise to pay you back later [7]. Remember to keep your financial information confidential [5].

Are there specific types of scams that target people looking for international relationships online?

Yes, there are scams that commonly target people looking for international relationships. Catfishing is prevalent, where scammers use fake identities and often pretend to be from another country [3]. Inheritance scams also frequently involve stories of large sums of money overseas [7, 8]. Additionally, be wary of requests to send money or gift cards, which can be easily converted to cash or crypto [5], often under the guise of helping them with situations in a foreign country.

What should I do if I suspect that I am being targeted by an online dating scammer while looking for a potential wife?

If you suspect you are being targeted by an online dating scammer, you should cut off all communication channels immediately [9]. Block their profiles and report them to the dating platform [9]. Change the passwords of all your accounts to prevent them from gaining further access [9]. Finally, report the crime to the authorities , such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) [9].

Steer Clear of These 7 Online Dating Scams

Like shirts, online dating scams come in different kinds.

There’s a reason online dating remains prevalent: convenience. No matter where you are, a match is just a click or swipe away.

However, that accessibility comes with the risk of falling for online dating scams. While there are genuine matches, some people behind their screens may be up to no good. You never know who you’ll meet.

A 2023 Aura report states that 50% of Americans who used a dating app in the past five years were victims of catfishing scams. What’s more alarming is that the number is more than double from five years ago.

But several victims' experiences don’t equate to all. You’d rather not be complacent. After all, online dating scams come in different forms, not just catfishing.

Let’s go through some popular types so you’ll know what to avoid.

Types of Scams on Dating Sites and Apps

Many dating scams exist, but we’ll enumerate the most common ones instead. Swipe left on these forms:

Catfishing

This is probably the most common romance scam out there.

Catfishing refers to the act of using fake identities to fool victims. Scammers attract victims with attractive (but stolen) photos and information, luring them under pretenses.

The term originated from Catfish, a 2010 documentary about a man discovering the truth about his online relationship. His partner, whom he thought was a teenager, turned out to be an older woman.

In the final scene, the woman’s husband shares an anecdote about the live cod trade, where people exported catfish with cod from Alaska to keep the latter alive and kicking. He correlated this practice with real-life people (like his catfishing wife) who keep others alert.

Emotional begging

Most scammers trick people into sending money or gift cards that they can easily convert to cash or crypto. Others, however, ask for financial details or any information they can use for fraud.

These scammers try to win over trust. Once they achieve that, they ask for help dealing with emergencies. They’ll use every excuse in the book to squeeze something out of your wallet.

But remember, one of the things you should keep confidential is your financial information. Don’t leave it out in the open for the vultures.

Phishing

Like catfishing, phishing employs fake accounts. Scammers try to get victims to divulge personal information like addresses and workplaces. They may seem like common dating questions, but they’re part of a ploy to decode passwords and hack into accounts.

Phishing plays people as fools and leaves them vulnerable to identity theft. Imagine what these scammers can do under your name without your knowledge. All it takes is enough information from you to kickstart their operations.

Scams on dating sites can range from subtle to outright explicit.

Dating service scams

For some scammers, disguises don’t cut it. They up the ante by setting up fake dating sites and services.

They lure users with fake profiles and false promises. They then ask them to pay a fee and submit their personal details. Some even require photos of ID for “verification.” In reality, they may use all this to commit identity theft and other similar criminal activities.

Fortunately, you can easily identify these sites due to their poor design, low-quality photos, misspelled content, and charged wording. You can also see a list of fake dating sites with a quick Google search.

If you suspect the one you’re using belongs in this category, research for reviews and look for photo or video proof of their services.

Blackmail

Many people register on dating sites and apps for quick and casual affairs. Scammers are aware of this and will take advantage of it.

They ask daters to send sensitive content (photos, videos, etc.), promising to do the same in return. But after they receive the requested files, they turn the tables. They threaten to leak the content and ask their victims to pay a ransom.

You shouldn’t take these threats lightly. Scammers can find your digital footprints and put your loved ones at risk.

Inheritance scams

Before infiltrating dating platforms, inheritance scams were common in emails. This type relies on the power of storytelling to win victims’ trust.

Once trust is established, scammers tell their matches they have inheritance funds. But the only way to claim it is by paying a fee. Suspicious, yes?

Scammers then ask their matches for money, promising to pay them back as soon as possible. Others take their act up a notch and claim to share their inheritance with them.

Those promises were all lies, of course. As soon as they get the money from their match, they disappear, never to be heard from again.

Money mule scams

Unlike most scams where perpetrators ask you for money, this last one wants you to lend a hand in money laundering.

As your relationship with the scammer goes on, they’ll send you money. Then, they ask you to buy cryptocurrency, gift cards, or foreign currencies. They may even tell you to open a new bank account.

If you think you’re doing them a favor, you’re not. You may be getting involved in criminal activity.

How to Identify a Scammer

Scammers can be difficult to sniff out, but it’s not impossible. Some may be more clever than others, but most follow patterns you can detect.

Scammers often use fake profiles. They either steal someone’s identity or create an original one. One tell-tale sign is an attractive profile picture that looks too good to be true.

Another sign is their flaky nature. They want to see you but always bail at the last minute. They can’t even show up for a video call. They may give you their number but will never show their faces.

Protect Yourself | What to Do When You’re Being Scammed

Falling for online dating site scams sucks, but you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about it. It can happen to even the sharpest minds.

While you’re right to feel worried, use that as fuel to pull yourself together. Gather your wits and take these steps:

#1: Cut all communication channels off.

Once you realize the gravity of your situation, go off their radar and break off all contact. Block all their profiles and report them to the dating platform.

#2: Change the passwords of all your accounts.

Don’t grant them any more access than they already have. Secure your accounts by changing their passwords. You may want to save them in a trusted platform so you won’t lose them.

#3: Report the crime to the authorities.

Make your case official by reporting the scam to the proper authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is the best place to start.

…

While dating apps and sites can help you form genuine connections, the threat of online dating scams will always be there. By learning their various forms, you should be able to protect yourself while ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Reference

MacKay, Jory. 2024. “The Unexpected Dangers of Online Dating [11 Scams To Know].” Aura. https://www.aura.com/learn/dangers-of-online-dating.

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