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See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Verify their identity
- Use tools like reverse image searches to ensure their photos aren’t stolen. Scammers often use attractive stock images or stolen pictures to build a fake persona.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Be skeptical about sudden love
- If someone professes love or deep emotional connection too soon, it's likely a manipulation tactic. Genuine relationships take time to develop trust and emotional bonds.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Never send money
- Legitimate partners won't ask for financial help, especially early in a relationship. Scammers often fabricate emergencies to convince you to send money.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Look out for red flags in their profile
- Scammers create vague or overly perfect profiles. Look out for minimal personal details and inconsistencies in their story.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Insist on video chat
- Request live video calls to confirm their identity. Scammers avoid showing their real faces because it doesn't match the photos they've used in their fake profiles.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Don't share personal information
- Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, financial information, or workplace. Scammers can use this to steal your identity or further exploit you.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Look for verified profiles
- Many reputable dating platforms verify user identities through documentation or social media connections. Verified profiles reduce the risk of encountering scammers.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Be cautious of international contacts
- Scammers frequently claim to be working or living abroad to explain why they can't meet you in person or why they need financial assistance.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Consult trusted friends
- Discuss your online relationship with friends or family. Their impartial perspective may help you spot red flags or manipulative behavior you might overlook.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Research their stories
- If they claim to be in the military, undergoing a medical crisis, or involved in international work, independently verify these details before believing them.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Use reputable dating platforms
- Stick to trusted dating websites that have safety measures like reporting tools and customer support. Avoid platforms with no oversight or security.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Monitor their language style
- Scammers often use poor grammar, repetitive phrases, or strange responses. These inconsistencies may reveal they are non-native speakers or using scripted messages.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Be aware of emotional manipulation
- Watch for overly dramatic stories designed to elicit sympathy, such as being a widowed single parent or facing a sudden life-threatening crisis.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Don't let them rush you
- Scammers often pressure you to commit quickly, knowing that extended conversations increase the likelihood of you uncovering their deceit.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Stay on the platform
- Avoid moving the conversation to private messaging apps or emails, where scammers can operate without reporting tools.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Check their social media
- Look for a consistent online presence. A lack of followers, few posts, or newly created accounts could indicate the person isn't genuine.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Watch out for unsolicited gifts
- Scammers might send you gifts to gain your trust. Later, they might ask for a favor in return, which usually involves financial support.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Ask specific questions about their life
- Scammers struggle to provide consistent answers about personal details. Asking specific questions can reveal inconsistencies in their story.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Be wary of exotic professions
- Scammers often claim high-paying or adventurous jobs like doctors in war zones or oil rig workers to explain their inability to meet.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Avoid sharing intimate photos
- Scammers may pressure you to send intimate photos, later using them for blackmail or emotional manipulation.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Look for strange communication patterns
- If they message excessively or at odd hours, it may indicate they are targeting multiple victims in different time zones.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Beware of guilt-tripping
- Scammers might accuse you of not caring or being heartless if you hesitate to help them financially.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Cross-check their contact details
- Search their phone number or email address online. These details may appear in scam warning databases or forums.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Spot generic expressions of affection
- Scammers often use generic phrases like "my love" or "darling" to avoid mixing up names when communicating with multiple victims.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Test their knowledge of their claimed background - Ask questions related to their profession, culture, or claimed location. Scammers may struggle to answer convincingly.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Watch out for fake official documents
- Scammers might send fabricated photos of passports, military IDs, or certificates to appear credible. Examine these critically, as they're often doctored.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Keep an eye for requests for cryptocurrency
- Scammers are increasingly asking for payments in cryptocurrencies, which are harder to trace. Treat such requests as a major red flag.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Report if you suspect a scammer
- If you suspect a scam, report the profile to the platform and consult anti-scam resources like online forums or government websites dedicated to scam prevention.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Know the scammer's tactics
- Familiarize yourself with common scam stories. Many scammers claim to be stuck abroad, in need of medical help, or facing legal issues to extract money. Sources: (BBC) (Euronews) (Equifax) See also: Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Verify their identity
- Use tools like reverse image searches to ensure their photos aren’t stolen. Scammers often use attractive stock images or stolen pictures to build a fake persona.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Be skeptical about sudden love
- If someone professes love or deep emotional connection too soon, it's likely a manipulation tactic. Genuine relationships take time to develop trust and emotional bonds.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Never send money
- Legitimate partners won't ask for financial help, especially early in a relationship. Scammers often fabricate emergencies to convince you to send money.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Look out for red flags in their profile
- Scammers create vague or overly perfect profiles. Look out for minimal personal details and inconsistencies in their story.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Insist on video chat
- Request live video calls to confirm their identity. Scammers avoid showing their real faces because it doesn't match the photos they've used in their fake profiles.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Don't share personal information
- Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, financial information, or workplace. Scammers can use this to steal your identity or further exploit you.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Look for verified profiles
- Many reputable dating platforms verify user identities through documentation or social media connections. Verified profiles reduce the risk of encountering scammers.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Be cautious of international contacts
- Scammers frequently claim to be working or living abroad to explain why they can't meet you in person or why they need financial assistance.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Consult trusted friends
- Discuss your online relationship with friends or family. Their impartial perspective may help you spot red flags or manipulative behavior you might overlook.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Research their stories
- If they claim to be in the military, undergoing a medical crisis, or involved in international work, independently verify these details before believing them.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Use reputable dating platforms
- Stick to trusted dating websites that have safety measures like reporting tools and customer support. Avoid platforms with no oversight or security.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Monitor their language style
- Scammers often use poor grammar, repetitive phrases, or strange responses. These inconsistencies may reveal they are non-native speakers or using scripted messages.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Be aware of emotional manipulation
- Watch for overly dramatic stories designed to elicit sympathy, such as being a widowed single parent or facing a sudden life-threatening crisis.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Don't let them rush you
- Scammers often pressure you to commit quickly, knowing that extended conversations increase the likelihood of you uncovering their deceit.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Stay on the platform
- Avoid moving the conversation to private messaging apps or emails, where scammers can operate without reporting tools.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Check their social media
- Look for a consistent online presence. A lack of followers, few posts, or newly created accounts could indicate the person isn't genuine.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Watch out for unsolicited gifts
- Scammers might send you gifts to gain your trust. Later, they might ask for a favor in return, which usually involves financial support.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Ask specific questions about their life
- Scammers struggle to provide consistent answers about personal details. Asking specific questions can reveal inconsistencies in their story.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Be wary of exotic professions
- Scammers often claim high-paying or adventurous jobs like doctors in war zones or oil rig workers to explain their inability to meet.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Avoid sharing intimate photos
- Scammers may pressure you to send intimate photos, later using them for blackmail or emotional manipulation.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Look for strange communication patterns
- If they message excessively or at odd hours, it may indicate they are targeting multiple victims in different time zones.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Beware of guilt-tripping
- Scammers might accuse you of not caring or being heartless if you hesitate to help them financially.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Cross-check their contact details
- Search their phone number or email address online. These details may appear in scam warning databases or forums.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Spot generic expressions of affection
- Scammers often use generic phrases like "my love" or "darling" to avoid mixing up names when communicating with multiple victims.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Test their knowledge of their claimed background - Ask questions related to their profession, culture, or claimed location. Scammers may struggle to answer convincingly.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Watch out for fake official documents
- Scammers might send fabricated photos of passports, military IDs, or certificates to appear credible. Examine these critically, as they're often doctored.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Keep an eye for requests for cryptocurrency
- Scammers are increasingly asking for payments in cryptocurrencies, which are harder to trace. Treat such requests as a major red flag.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Report if you suspect a scammer
- If you suspect a scam, report the profile to the platform and consult anti-scam resources like online forums or government websites dedicated to scam prevention.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Know the scammer's tactics
- Familiarize yourself with common scam stories. Many scammers claim to be stuck abroad, in need of medical help, or facing legal issues to extract money. Sources: (BBC) (Euronews) (Equifax) See also: Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Lessons from the “Brad Pitt” case: How to avoid romance scams
Protect your heart and wallet while navigating the search for love online
© Getty Images
The rise of online romance scams has reached alarming levels, as highlighted by a recent case in France. A 53-year-old woman was swindled out of €830,000 (US$852,200) by fraudsters using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to impersonate Brad Pitt, even concocting a story about cancer treatment. Her situation highlights the growing dangers of online romance scams, making it crucial to recognize red flags and take proactive steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Click to learn how to spot and avoid online romance scams.
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