SCARS™ Scam Basics: Basic Fakery Deception & Lies

The Typical Relationship Scam Has A Simple Set Of Basic Fakes Or Lies

As you already know, not everyone using online dating sites or social media is looking for love.

Scammers create fake online profiles using photos stolen from other people — even stolen pictures of real military personnel. This is the essential element of a romance scam.

At Their Core, Romance Scams Rely On Impersonation, Fakery, And Lies.

The new stranger (the scammer or fraudster) profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel.

Why All Of The Tricks?

They’re looking to steal your money and to do it in the most efficient manner possible – after all, this is a business for them – it isn’t personal.

As if all that isn’t bad enough, romance scammers are now involving their victims in online bank fraud, credit card fraud, tax fraud, receiving stolen property and much more.

Here’s how it works – the basics:

• The scammers set up online profiles to meet potential victims.
• After they form a “relationship,” they come up with reasons to ask their new “love” interest to send money, or set up a new bank account, use an existing bank account, or use a credit card account – all work.
• The scammers’ transfer stolen money into the victim’s account and then tells their victims to wire the money out of the country to the scammer.
• Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime, as well as acting criminally themselves (money laundering, receiving stolen property, and possibly even tax fraud).

Some warning signs that an online friend is probably fake – they ask you to:

• Chat off of the dating site or social media immediately, using personal email, text (Google Hangout, WhatsApp, etc.), or phone
• Wire money using Western Union or Money Gram or via bank wire transfer
• Buy iTunes or other gift cards
• Set up a new bank account

Image Searches

Do you know you can do an image search of your new stranger’s photo in your favorite search engine? «Google», «Bing», «Yandex», «TinEye»

If you do an image search and the person’s photo appears under several different names, you’re dealing with a scammer. And if the person’s online profile disappears a few days after they meet you, that’s another tip-off. However, even if you cannot find their photo in an image search it does not mean they are safe – there are more than a billion fake identities online already and more being added daily.

Here’s The Simple Truth

Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason.

If your online sweetheart or ANYONE that you have never physically met in person asks for money, it’s a scam. PERIOD.

Unfortunately, social media and online dating scams are very common. There are millions of romance scam victims, and only a small fraction report it to law enforcement. If this happens to you, please report it – it is important.

If You Are A Victim

If you are a victim, please remember that you are easily scammed. That means be very careful about who you believe about anything online.

Also, remember that most anti-scam groups are run by victims trying to cope with their trauma and mostly spread urban legends and incorrect information. Don’t cling to a fake or amateur group that prevents you from recovering by leading you in the wrong direction. Look for SCARS – which is the only real worldwide registered online crime victims’ assistance and support nonprofit organization.

If you have gone through a romance scam you are probably going to need real help to get through it. We offer real online crime victims assistance and support groups online. These are safe places with other victims who will not judge and understand what you have been through. « Click Here for one of our Victims’ Support Groups on Facebook »

PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR CONTACTS
HELP OTHERS STAY SAFE ONLINE

SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.

TAGS: SCARS, Important Article, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scam Basics, Basic Fakery, Support Group, Scam Victims, Romance Scams