Scammers are everywhere online and offline. One of their favourite ways to scam people these days is via social media, email, and dating apps and websites to take advantage of those who are looking for love online. By going for an internet dating investigation, you can be sure that the person you are talking to is who he or she claims to be plus help avoid theft and fraud.
Watch Out for Internet Scams
Online dating scammers often create fake profiles using fake photos, information, and name all chosen to attract the type of victim they want. Once they have contact with a target, they will gain the trust of their targets using heartfelt conversations, loving words, and gifts to manipulate the target and to divert attention from their real identity.
Why Conduct Online Dating Investigation?
An online dating investigation is done to reveal a person’s real identity and motives. A private investigator will conduct extensive background checks, gather information across various platforms, trace messages from the original sources, and maybe find out other personal details. The information will be shared with the victim for his or her peace of mind. The information will also uncover potential criminal activities and prevent fraudulent activities from happening by providing the data to the right authorities.
What Are Common Internet Dating Scams and Other Fraudulent Activities?
There are many types of internet dating scams, but the most common ones are the following:
- Catfishing is when a scammer uses someone else’s photos and identity to have a relationship with someone.
- Internet scandal is when a scammer is actually a con artist who will try to grow close with a victim and ask for intimate photos and initiate intimate conversations. Once they have enough material, they will publish the information online and only unpublish in exchange for a large fee. There is no 100% way that anything published will be fully removed because other people have access to it.
- Money laundering is when a scammer will ask the victim to transfer money or send goods for them like stolen laptops and cellphones. Some scammers ask the victims to forward cash checks and packages for them.
- Swindling is the most common online dating scam. A scammer will gain a victim’s affection and trust and then request for help or money for what seems like valid reasons such as a medical emergency or an accident. Once they got some money or when the victim has nothing left to give, they cut contact.
How to Avoid Internet Dating Scams
Attention to detail is very important to avoid internet dating scams. Some signs may not be so obvious but are there if you know where to look. You can ask to meet in person to prevent catfishes. You can note profile inconsistencies like age and photos. It is better to keep a slow pace because scammers will try to fabricate intimacy as soon as possible by asking for personal details and declaring love early on. Try to use the dating app or site to communicate or use an email that isn’t what you normally use. Look for grammar inconsistencies as well as sentences that do not make sense can mean that the scammer may simply be copy-pasting messages. Lastly, do not send money, objects, or your personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
Are you or someone you know dating someone online who might be a scammer? We can help at Haywood Hunt! Our private investigators offer a myriad of private investigation services that can flush out and identify a scammer so that you can have peace of mind. Contact us today!
