Of the millions of Americans with profiles on dating sites, social networks, chat rooms and other websites to meet people, not all are looking to find a successful relationship. Scam artists are also on these sites, scrolling through for their next victim. By putting up a fake profile, these scammers are able to build online relationships that later are enough to persuade someone to wire cash in the name of love. Some even go as far as planning a wedding before ultimately vanishing with the money.
Anytime an online dating love interest asks for money over the Internet; it’s more often than not the sign of a scam.
How to Spot a Con-Artist
Your online relationship may be the start of a scam, especially if your love interest:
- alleges to be from the United States but is currently overseas, often for business or military service.
- asks to take the conversation off the dating site right away to IM or personal email
- claims to be in love instantaneously
- wants to visit, but is prevented by a traumatic event, bad business deal or other financial loss
What You Should Do
It might break your heart, but you don’t have to break the bank as well. Never wire money to take care of the following expenses:
- visas or other official documents
- travel
- hotel bills
- medical emergencies
- hospital bills for a close relative
- any other type of short-term financial setback
It’s a good policy to never send money to make up for a temporary financial setback. This includes purchasing something on another’s behalf and then forwarding the package overseas. What starts out as a simple request eventually leads to disappointment and problems down the road. By the end, your money and the person you thought you loved will both be gone.