8 Warning Signs of Online Dating Scams

The number of victims of online dating scams continues to grow, with annual financial losses reaching millions of dollars. Scam tactics are also evolving: instead of simple phishing emails, fraudsters now often use long-term schemes. If you’re a regular user of online dating services and your conversation partner suddenly starts to fit one or more of the criteria discussed below, it’s time to be cautious. We’ll also cover how to avoid falling victim to these scams.

Who Do Online Dating Scammers Target?

Scammers target people from all demographic groups and on every possible platform, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or preferred dating site. No one is immune to this type of fraud.

However, there is a trend: seniors and those who are more emotionally vulnerable or socially isolated are more likely to be targeted. Plenty of Fish (POF) is especially popular among scammers due to its large user base, but other platforms like Ashley Madison and Match.com are also used. With the rise of mobile dating apps, the number of potential victims is increasing, and many stages of the scam process are now automated with bots.

Signs of Online Dating Scams

1. Suspicious Profile
   • Very few photos, or photos that look overly glamorous or like a model.
   • The person claims to be looking for matches in your area but lives in another country.
   • Many scammers claim to be serving in the military overseas.
   • Scammer and bot profiles often have minimal information and only one or two photos, and are rarely linked to Instagram or other social media accounts.
2. Trying to Move the Conversation ElsewhereScammers will quickly suggest moving your conversation off the dating site. They often prefer texting via Skype, Facebook, SMS, or messaging apps like WhatsApp. Be especially cautious if someone you’ve never met in real life wants to switch platforms.
3. Rapid Emotional AttachmentScammers tend to quickly become emotional, sometimes confessing love or deep affection after only a short time. This is a manipulation tactic, especially effective on people who are lonely or seeking new connections. Be wary of anyone who expresses strong feelings early on, before you’ve met in person.
4. Constant Excuses to Avoid MeetingOne of the most common strategies is to always have an excuse for why they can’t meet in person. Since the scammer isn’t who they claim to be, they’ll avoid face-to-face meetings, often claiming to work abroad or be on military deployment. Sometimes, these excuses are used to ask for money, such as for a plane ticket or to get out of a supposed border detention.
5. Refusal to Video ChatAccording to the Better Business Bureau, most online dating scammers operate from countries like Nigeria. If you’re talking to someone from Nigeria, Ghana, or Malaysia, they’ll likely avoid phone or video calls to hide their accent or identity. Even if they try to fake an accent, they’ll avoid video chats because their profile photos are fake. Be cautious if someone claims their camera is “broken” or always has an excuse not to video chat. With modern smartphones, video chatting is easy, so if someone professes love but won’t video chat after weeks of talking, it’s likely a scam.
6. Requests for Financial HelpMost scammers are after money, so eventually you’ll be asked for financial assistance. The stories vary: family emergencies, health problems, or travel issues. Some may claim to need money for customs fees on a package they want to send you, and may even have an accomplice contact you with fake documents. Others may ask for investments in a fake business. If you’re asked for money—either directly or through a third party—it’s almost certainly a scam.
7. Requests to Help with Financial TransactionsA newer scam involves not asking for your money, but trying to involve you in money laundering. For example, the scammer might send you money and ask you to buy an Amazon or other gift card in return, or to transfer the funds to another account. Sometimes, they’ll ask you to open a bank account. If someone tries to involve you in these kinds of financial exchanges, they’re likely trying to make you an accomplice in illegal activity.
8. Sending Links to Other Services or SitesSome scammers use more efficient methods, especially in dating apps full of bot profiles. They may send you a link to an app, game, or website “to try out,” aiming to steal your financial information or infect your device with malware. This is very common on apps like Tinder.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

• Use reverse image search tools or services like SocialCatfish to verify your match’s identity. Check if the same photo appears in different profiles under different names.
• Stay informed about new types of scams, especially those specific to the platforms you use. Not all scammers use long-term tactics, and scams on apps may differ from those on websites.
• Never share too much personal information, especially with people you haven’t met in real life. Scammers can use details about your financial situation to determine if you’re a good target.
• If you receive too many flattering messages early on, don’t respond. In mobile apps, avoid interacting with users whose profiles seem suspicious.
• Never send intimate photos to new acquaintances. Scammers may use them for blackmail or extortion.
• If you notice one or more of the warning signs above and can’t verify the person’s identity, stop communicating immediately.
• Pay attention to protecting your personal data in general. This will help protect you not only from dating scammers but from other types of criminals as well.