Online Dating Scams

Peter Belval & Alyssa Pasini

IntroductionIntroduction

Millions of Americans log on to online Millions of Americans log on to online dating sites in search of their “soul mate”. dating sites in search of their “soul mate”. However, not everyone has the same However, not everyone has the same goals. Predators can create fake profiles goals. Predators can create fake profiles and attract victims. The following and attract victims. The following information is how to take precautions information is how to take precautions against various scammers. against various scammers.

Key Point #1-Tell Tale Signs of Key Point #1-Tell Tale Signs of ScammingScamming

Signs that your being scammed:Signs that your being scammed:Once the person gets your personal Once the person gets your personal

information they leave the sightinformation they leave the sightShe claims love in a heartbeat. She claims love in a heartbeat. He claims to be from the U.S., but is He claims to be from the U.S., but is

“currently overseas”. “currently overseas”. You make plans to meet up, but she You make plans to meet up, but she

bails at the last minute bails at the last minute

Key Point #2-You are not alone

• Scammers look for lovers of all ages, trying to find a way to get money out of them.

• Many match sites, as well as on line chat rooms are used by scammers all the time

Key Point #3- Key Point #3-

If anyone ever asks you to send them If anyone ever asks you to send them money, LEAVE THE SITE NOW!!money, LEAVE THE SITE NOW!!

This could be a tell tale sign of a This could be a tell tale sign of a “Bad Romance”“Bad Romance”

Wiring money is just as badWiring money is just as bad

Key Point # 4-The Never Ending Key Point # 4-The Never Ending RequestsRequests

If you reply to one request then they will If you reply to one request then they will not stop coming.not stop coming.

If you get a request leave the site If you get a request leave the site immediately.immediately.

Key Point # 5 – Reporting Key Point # 5 – Reporting scammersscammers

• If you ever have a problem with scammers please contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357);

• * may not be responsible for lost or stolen items including money, romance, or a

sense of self esteem.

QuizQuiz1. Besides dating sites where can

scammers access you?2. What are two signs of scammers?3. Is wiring money any better than

sending it?