ONLINE DATING ADVICE
Recognize These Signs for a Safe Online Dating Experience
People looking for a more diverse dating pool often turn to online dating. Because of its flexibility and convenience, it has become commonplace in today’s rapidly evolving culture.
If you are one of these people, then you should be aware of the most common risk in online dating: romance scams.
A romance scam is when someone takes on a false identity and fakes romantic interest in you to win your trust and defraud you of money. It happens on all dating platforms, and if you’re not careful, you might just become a victim.
So, if you want a safe online dating experience free of scams and fraud, here are some recognizable signs to look out for and avoid.
There isn’t much information about them online. Because they create fake profiles, they use photos that belong to other people. Because of this, scammers and catfishers often have no digital footprint. So if you can’t search them on social media or other online platforms, be wary, as they’re most likely not the person they say they are.
They’re quick to develop feelings. Romance scammers tend to develop feelings instantly. They tell you they love you despite the short span of time you’ve spent talking online. It’s emotional manipulation used to target your vulnerability, especially since you’re hoping to find a serious partner.
They don’t like to waste their time chatting with people they can’t manipulate so they lovebomb you without getting to know you first. If you fall into their trap, they’ll continue to manipulate you, otherwise they’ll quickly move on to other potential victims.
They are too good to be true. They create perfect identities to lure someone like you. They’ll keep you interested by pretending to have common interests and knowledge. Their photos, personalities and their whole life can feel like a lie — because they really are!
They never agree to meet you in person or join you for a video call. If you’re dating online, it’s best to ask a match to meet in person as much as possible. If they’re hesitant, give them the benefit of the doubt because they might just be shy. But if it seems like they’re always giving you reasons not to see you in person, then they’re most likely not the same person in their profile.
Or better yet, for convenience, especially if they’re from far away, ask them to jump into a video call with you. If they won’t so much as show their face, that’s probably because you’re talking to a totally different person.
They always have an emergency. They pretend to be in an emergency and tell you you’re the only person who can help them. There will be a high chance they’ll ask you for financial help. That’s why it is highly discouraged to give someone you meet online money because you never know if they’re just using you.
What’s worse than being scammed? Being scammed more than once. That’s right. If you allow yourself to fall into their trap, their manipulation tactics will be recurring. So before you decide to try your luck with online dating, make sure you have the knowledge to properly navigate the complexities of the online dating scene.
Ensure the Safety of an Online Dating App/Site
If you aren’t pulling back at the idea of romance scams, you must have strong faith in finding love online. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to prioritize your safety.
Ensuring your online safety begins by choosing the right platform. It’s right to be picky with the site or apps you use because not only will it ensure your safety, but it will also determine how effective finding a lifetime partner can be for you.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you control who can see your profile and contact you?
- Can you hide your location?
- Do you have to pay for extras?
- Are there safety measures that protect users?
- Do the community guidelines and other policies support safety, privacy and security?
These are just common precautions to take to ensure a safe online dating experience.
“Prevention is better than cure,” as they say.
Rooting for your best online dating experience and for you to secure that twin flame of your life!
Best of luck!
Reference:
eSafety Commissioner. 2024. Online dating.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/staying-safe/online-dating
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