Online dating has been growing in popularity since its inception, because users of all data demographic try their hand at finding love on the web or through a mobile application. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 15% of American adults have used an online dating site or mobile app dating. As this study points out, the number of adults who use online dating services has continued on an upward trend since 2013. Since the urge to join the community is strong, it is important that all new and existing members are aware of how to practice the online dating safely. Just like in real life dating, these platforms for love online host a number of threats, including hacks, catfishing and now investment fraud scammers. These scammers are well versed in how to play in the vulnerability of a date online and finally con them out of their money with a complex investment opportunity and completely falsified. To help you avoid becoming a victim of this scam, we give you some tips that should give you an advantage if you are wanted by the scammers.
How investment scams work?
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that dating online platforms give hackers and fraudsters easy access to the hearts and wallets of unsuspecting victims. There are potential financial risks almost everywhere, then online daters should be wary of any suspicious activity. In fact, any conversation revolving around finance in a dating online arena should be suspected as a scam - after all, an honest dater is to find a connection, not to propose a system of money in their matches. Here's how the scam usually works the scammer introduces them to match a company or business idea that they claim to have (or they intend to start soon), and after pulling a few heartstrings, convince them to match invest in their business or idea, eventually stealing money and financial information given in confidence. These crooks are never actually registered to collect investments and are just out to steal what they can from online daters. Fraudsters often use tactics affinity fraud, which involves essentially a victim of investment in a case just because someone they have a link with them has asked to draw their victim in investing.
Are they really that common on dating sites
Although there are no statistics to show how many people have been victims of this crime on dating sites online - this lack of information is likely because once people discover they have been scammed, they do not report out of embarrassment - there are some recent examples of real life that can display the ruthless way some of these scams can be. For example, a scammer, is sued by the SEC, would have convinced his matches online investing over $ 2.3 million to its medical company, which in doing her research on how to make better surgical gloves. And earlier this year, two crooks were convicted of using online dating sites to pose as financial professionals providing inside information about the investment of their games, using these false allegations to convince the victim to the wire funds, according to the FBI.
Can I avoid being scammed?
The most effective way for online daters to avoid being a part of an investment scam fraud is to be aware of warning signs. If an online dater starts asking personal questions about your identity and finances, you must immediately stop communicating with them and to report to their account dating service, as likely to try to scam you. Similarly, if a match you approach with a business proposal of any kind, it is certainly a concern, so proceed with caution. There are some phrases and buzzwords that should serve as red flags for immediate online daters trying to avoid a fraud investment scam. For example, if a match tells you about a "get rich quick" opportunity "guaranteed" returns or is too categorical you are interested in the cause, you may want to stop communicating with them or ask for more first Plan questions to learn their real incentive. - remember they are probably going to lie to you about this and ask that they try to help you always remember that a professional of legitimate investment would never ask for borrow money, especially through an online dating site, so an online dating that requires an investment is more than likely a scam.
What should I do if I get a crook?
If you think you are a victim of an investment scam while online dating, there are a few steps you must take to avoid the process of going further. first, and perhaps most obviously, never give personal or financial information. This includes who you bank with your credit card information, your credit history, your home address, names of family members, date of birth, social security number and even your personal income. Then daters should ask a legitimate businessman would be able to respond easily. Questions such as "What are the risks of this investment?" "What additional costs or ongoing, I have to pay?" "How much is the initial cost to be involved in this investment?" Or "Is this registered investment? And if so, with which regulator? "If your game starts to panic, ignore your questions or gives a weak response, the investment is a scam and is the cause for immediate action. Anyone who is in this situation should UNMATCH or block dater in question and that report by the support center for your online dating service.
Romance scams are easily preventable when you know the warning signs. investment scams are a relatively recent addition to the list online dating potential threats, but staying on their toes and be vigilant about reporting potential threats, daters can continue to look for love without worry.