SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Be Smart And Stay Safe
SO HERE ARE THE STANDARD TIPS AGAIN:
If you’re dating online these days, here are ten ways you can spot a romance scammer.
- They want to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or instant messaging to communicate with you.
- They make several spelling and grammar mistakes when communicating.
- They send a personal photo that looks like something from a magazine.
- They profess their love too quickly.
- They claim to be from the U.S. but are currently working or travelling overseas.
- They make excuses about why they can’t speak on the phone.
- They make plans to visit but cancel at the last minute because of a traumatic event or business deal gone bad.
- They ask for money for a variety of reasons ranging from travel and medical emergencies to hotel bills, hospital bills, visas and official documents.
- They request that you wire the money or send a cash, check or money order to a third person.
- They make several ongoing requests for money.
Now that you know how to spot a romance scammer, here are five ways to avoid online dating scams.
- 1.Adopt an air of mystery. Don’t provide your last name, your address or where you work until you’ve actually met them in person. You should be wary of any suitor for asks for personal information too quickly.
- Be a turn off. If you’re using a mobile app for dating, turn off your location settings so cons can’t figure out where you are located.
- Do your own cyber-stalking. Many scammers will steal people’s photos and assume their identities. Before you engage with anyone on a dating site, use Google’s ‘Search By Image’ feature to see if that person’s image shows up in other places under a different name.
- Don’t date a fictional character. Verify that the person is real. Conduct an online search to make sure the things you read match up with his/her claims. Is what you see on their Facebook, Twitter or Linked In pages consistent with what they are telling you personally?
- Get a second opinion. If an email seems suspicious, check it out. Cut and paste the email into Google and see if the words pop up on any romance scam sites.
STAY SAFE BY BEING SMART!
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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