Stay One Step Ahead: 4 Dating Scams to Watch Out For

Dating scams have been around as long as the internet itself, but they seem to be getting more and more prevalent as time goes on. In 2022, they accounted for a staggering $748 million in losses. That's a lot of people who lost a lot of money.

What's even more alarming is that this number is only going to continue to grow. As more and more people turn to online dating to find love, scammers are going to continue to take advantage of them.

Romance scams have become a serious issue in recent years, with people losing billions of dollars to scammers. In this article, we will explore the various types of scams that are carried out, as well as the consequences that can come from being scammed.

We will also look at some steps that you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scammer. Finally, we will provide some advice on what to do if you think you may have been scammed.

Types of Scams

There are many different types of scams that can be carried out on dating websites and apps. Some of the most common scams include the following:

1. The Fake Profile Scam

In this scam, the scammer creates a fake profile and begins communicating with the victim. They may claim to be interested in dating or they may just want to make friends. However, eventually they will ask for money. This could be for anything from travel costs to medical expenses.

2. The Phishing Scam

This scam is similar to the fake profile scam, but instead of asking for money directly, the scammer will try to get the victim to reveal personal information such as their bank account details or credit card number. They may do this by posing as a representative from a bank or another financial institution.

3. The Love-Based Scam

In this scam, the scammer will build up a relationship with the victim and eventually declare their love for them. They may even propose marriage or ask for money for travel costs or other expenses. Often, the scammers will use emotional blackmail to get money from the victim. For example, they may threaten to commit suicide if they don’t get the money they need.

4. The Overpayment Scam

In this scam, the scammer will send the victim an invoice or payment request for an amount that is higher than what was agreed upon. They may even send a check or money order for more than the amount owed and ask the victim to deposit it into their bank account and then wire back the difference. However, once the check or money order bounces, the victim is left responsible for paying back the entire amount.

So, what can you do to protect yourself from these scams? There are a few things you can do to make yourself less of a target. 

First, be very careful about who you talk to online. Don't give out your personal information until you're absolutely sure you can trust the person.

Also, be aware of the signs that someone might be trying to scam you. If they start asking for money or if they start making up crazy stories, that's usually a sign that something is wrong. 

If you think you might be getting scammed, report it to the authorities immediately.

It's important to be vigilant when it comes to online dating.  There are a lot of people out there who are looking to take advantage of you. By being aware of the dangers and taking some common-sense precautions, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Use dweeb to verify that someone is who they say they are. A simple name or phone search can help you keep scammers away.  

Remember, a small ounce of protection goes a long way. Download Dweeb at www.dweeb.app. It lets you easily verify people and gives you more information as you upgrade. Don't leave home without dweeb on your phone.