Beware of Romance Scammers: A Cautionary Tale
As I swiped through a dating app last summer, I matched with “Chris,” a charming stranger who seemed like a good catch. His profile looked great, and he presented himself as a kind and genuine person. But things took a suspicious turn when he asked me for a favor. Luckily, I caught on quickly and declined his request, saving myself from potential heartache and financial loss.
The Rise of Romance Scams
Despite the popularity of MTV’s Catfish: The TV Show, romance scams continue to thrive. Online dating platforms make it easy for scammers to create fake profiles and lure unsuspecting victims with false promises. These con artists don’t want your heart; they want your money. And a broken heart can lead to financial ruin.
A Scammer’s Tactics
“Chris” claimed to be a mature man in his late forties, originally from Ireland but living in lower Manhattan. He said he worked in construction and traveled frequently, which explained his Texas-based phone number. He charmed me with his texts, talking about finding a wife and feeling lonely. But I noticed red flags early on. He called me “Baby” frequently, despite us not meeting in person, and hesitated when I suggested a Facetime chat.
The Red Flags
As our conversation continued, Chris’ messages became scripted and insincere. He asked if I had the Zelle app and implied that he wanted to send me money through it. That’s when I realized he was trying to scam me. I blocked his number and reported him to the dating app.
A Scammer’s Persistence
But Chris didn’t give up. He texted me again from a different number, asking if I had blocked him. I told him why, and he tried to convince me that he was genuine. He even claimed to have been robbed at gunpoint during a protest and lost $10,000. When I refused to send him money, he got irate and desperate, begging me to send him cash via PayPal or Cash App.
Protecting Yourself
Don’t fall prey to romance scammers like Chris. Be cautious when meeting someone online, and never give out personal or financial information. Verify a person’s identity before sending money or sharing sensitive details. Remember, if someone is pushing for a quick connection or asking for financial support, it’s likely a scam.
The Statistics
According to the Federal Trade Commission, online-dating consumers reported losing $201 million to romance scams in 2019, a 40% increase from 2018. In 2019, over 25,000 consumers filed reports with the FTC about romance-based scams. The FTC and AARP have created resources to help protect consumers from these scams.
Stay Safe Online
As I continue to use online dating apps, I’ll prioritize my safety and security. I won’t lead with my heart more than my head, and I definitely won’t involve my wallet. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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