Former fraud investigator and Altia Product Owner Megan Searle has highlighted the tactics scammers use, taking advantage of people when online dating.
Megan, who specialises in financial scrutiny and fraud, said: “Half of me wants to say steer clear of them because you don’t know who you’re meeting online. However, I understand the desire for companionship, especially for those who may lack a strong support network or the resources to meet people in traditional ways.
“No one deserves to feel alone. For many, dating apps are a lifeline to finding meaningful relationships, but they also come with risks that users must be aware of.”
She advises to establish trust and verify the identity of the person you are communicating with. “I would always advise a phone call or a FaceTime call,” she said. “Before meeting someone in person, it’s essential to have a voice or video conversation to ensure that the person on the other side is who they claim to be.”
As well as forming a basis for who the person is, Megan also strongly cautions against sending any photos early on in the conversation, as these can be misused. She suggests asking the person to share general details about themselves, such as their location and background, to help verify their authenticity.
“Scammers often employ a tactic known as “love bombing,” where they shower their target with excessive affection and compliments in a short period of time,” she explained.
“’You’re the most beautiful person in the world’ is a typical message used in this scheme. This intense flattery is designed to create a quick emotional attachment, making the victim more susceptible to manipulation.”
During the covid-19 pandemic, when many were feeling isolated, Megan says these tactics became even more prolific, exploiting loneliness and vulnerabilities. She highlighted that a significant red flag in these scams is the absence of meaningful conversations.
“They don’t really ask questions about the other person. Instead, the communication is often superficial and focused on sexual content, which should raise immediate concerns. When scammers do attempt to deepen the connection, it’s usually a prelude to asking for money,” she added.
“Often, the scammer will fabricate an emergency or a desire to meet in person but claim to have lack the funds to do so, pressuring the victim to send money. If you are ever being asked for money by someone you’ve only met online, it’s a major warning sign,” she added.
Megan shares a case where stuffed toys containing money were sent to victims, who were then instructed to forward the items, unknowingly becoming “money mules” in the process.
“I’ve been involved in a case where stuffed toys have been sent with money in them, and then they’ve had to take that teddy bear and post it somewhere else. So, they are essentially a money mule,” she said.
Romance fraud and money mules go hand in hand, according to Megan, and these scams can escalate. “While dating apps can be a valuable tool for finding relationships, they also come with significant risks. But by staying vigilant, verifying identities, and being wary of love bombing and requests for money, you can protect yourself from falling victim to online scams.”
Recently, the Nottingham-based firm which provides investigations and intelligence software launched Altia HQ as an all-encompassing platform.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of dating fraud:
– Verify profiles by checking for social media links or doing a quick online search before engaging.
– Be cautious of profiles with too-perfect photos or vague, overly flattering bios.
– Avoid sharing personal information like your home address, work details, or financial status early on.
– Never send money or gifts to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story.
– Watch out for sudden emotional declarations or rushed requests to move the conversation off the app.
– Be wary of anyone who avoids video chats or in-person meetings after a reasonable amount of time.
– Trust your gut if something feels off or if they ask for private photos or information too quickly.
– Keep your conversations within the app until you’re confident about the person’s intentions.
– Look for inconsistencies in their stories, like different details about their life or location.
– Report suspicious behaviour directly to the dating app to protect yourself and others.
Visit: https://altiaintel.com.
Photo by Mark Rowe; street art, Newcastle upon Tyne.
