More people are turning to the Internet to find Mr. or Ms. Right through online dating services, pop-up ads or email. The Consumer Fraud Task Force has a warning for those who use the Internet to find love: While online dating has resulted in some successful relationships, criminals also troll the sites for victims who will send them money.
Task Force partners get thousands of complaints every year from people who have lost money to someone they met on dating sites. Some criminals say they’re in the military and stationed overseas. Others may claim to have a sudden emergency, such as medical bills for a sick relative, or they claim they’re in need of cash because they’re stranded or behind on their bills. Often the ‘emergency’ occurs after weeks or months of online chit-chat, often filled with flattery that makes the victim feel as if he or she has found true love.
The Task Force urges anyone who uses an online dating service or answers an unsolicited romantic email to be extremely cautious before committing to meet the person or send them money, tickets or anything else of value. Some tips and red flags to watch for include:
•Find out whether the dating service do any background checks or fraud scans before a person’s profile is posted.
•Be cautious if the person claims to be recently widowed or says they’re an American stationed overseas, possibly in the military.
•Be cautious if the person immediately asks you to communicate on an email or messaging system outside the dating site. Some dating sites monitor exchanges for signs of fraud, and a fraudster may be anxious to lure you away from the site.
•Do a Google search on the person. You can even paste the text of the email, profile description, or pictures into Google and search to see if similar text, pictures or descriptions are used by others. Some criminals create multiple profiles and use the same information over and over.
•Be suspicious if the person hints that they are in financial trouble or have another sudden need for money. If the person asks you to wire money—such as by Western Union, MoneyGram or Green Dot MoneyPak—it more than likely is a scam.
•Check the person’s name in online databases of sex offenders, which are available in many states.
•If you decide to meet the person, go to a place where there are large numbers of people and where you feel safe. Consider taking someone along with you.
For any questions or concerns please call the BBB toll-free at 800-649-6814 or visit bbb.org.