Continuing Advice on How to Detect a Scammer on Social Media

The name does not matter because every time they go on the hunt after being caught they change the name and rearrange a few things on their little profile. It is usually not a long one.

 

How can you spot a scammer on a dating site?

Too good to be true.

All the photos are great, perfectly lit and shot. The ones in front of travel destinations never seem to show crowds in the background. There are no dodgy ones with clutter visible in the background of the bathroom.

The profile is too inviting. They don’t have a list of people who needn’t bother messaging them, which you’d expect from someone who looks like a current or former model. Instead, they talk about how they are looking for their true love, and don’t expect that person to be beautiful, just loving and often god-fearing and have a sweet nature.

When they message you, they come on too quickly, gushing about how they never expected to meet someone so wonderful. They may mention your gorgeous smile even if you don’t have any photos up.

Their English is a little dodgy. They say things like, “Am looking for my true love” This is deliberate. They want someone who doesn’t ask too many questions, if you notice details, you’ll waste their time.

They often want to go to another website, claiming that they are not used to the internet and can’t work on this site. They say this even if they are claiming to work in engineering or journalism or other high-tech industry.

They often say they are members of the US military, oil rig operatives, or work for the UN.

They have a dramatic backstory. Usually, a dead wife and a beautiful child need a new mother. Or a dying granny who needs around-the-clock care.

If you ask for photos of the dying granny or beautiful daughter, you’ll get a stock photo, also beautifully lit and posed.

They never live close to you. Even if they say they are from your area, they are not there now and don’t seem to know much about it. You can’t just meet for coffee.

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