Unveiling Red Flags: How to Identify a Scammer or an Inauthentic Relationship Online
online relationships can be fraught with dangers, particularly if you're entering into a relationship with someone who is not who they claim to be. Scammers often exploit this vulnerability to gain your trust and, ultimately, your financial or personal information. There are several warning signs to watch out for, which can help you identify whether your new online boyfriend is a scammer or simply not who he says he is.
Cut-Off Financial Discussions and Demands
Much like real-life financial scams, online scammers may try to gauge your financial stability through financial conversations. If a significant portion of your interactions revolve around you sharing or talking about your finances, be wary. Scammers may ask for money or insist you purchase gift cards, Bitcoin, or Amazon cards. They might make these requests persistently, even if you initially refuse. If they continue to press for your financial assistance, it's a red flag that they could be deceitful.
Video Calls and Personal Address Suspicion
Again, much like a real relationship, a legitimate connection should involve some level of personal interaction, including video calls. However, if your new online boyfriend repeatedly avoids or hesitates to engage in video calls, it's a significant warning sign. Genuine individuals usually aren't overly concerned about a quick video chat. If they consistently claim they can't video call you, ask yourself why. The reasons can range from a lack of trust to avoiding scrutiny. Be especially cautious if the person claims they are from far away, but can't provide a genuine address or contact information.
Time Zone and Location Discrepancies
Login times and phone numbers are too often misleading. Just because they claim to be in a specific place doesn't mean they are truly there. Be vigilant if the person’s phone number or online profile shows they are from a different time zone, or if their claimed location doesn’t match their actual location. If a person asking for money is from the military but says they are working in another country, question their story. Military personnel are provided with ample resources and support, and asking for financial assistance to leave or return is highly suspicious.
Never-Ending Requests for Assistance
If your new online boyfriend suddenly becomes uninterested in sharing personal details about his life and starts pestering you for money to cover various expenses, be on high alert. Initially, they might have seemed perfect, promising a beautiful and perfect relationship. However, if they start taking advantage of the situation and asking for financial help every step of the way, they are likely trying to exploit you. Scammers will often pretend to have urgent situations that require immediate financial aid, but as time goes on, they become less interested in your needs.
The Perfect Profile Red Flag
A common profile one encounters is that of a military member of twelve years fighting in another country or worse, the US military forces in Afghanistan, which is no longer active. Another common profile is that of a doctor contracted to work long-term in another country or to train in various locations, where their services are in high demand. When a person claims they are retired from the military within a few months, or is a doctor with an intense work schedule abroad, be cautious. These people are more likely to be trying to establish a connection without revealing their true intentions, hence using attractive and advanced stories to lure in their victims.
Personal Information Over-Sharing Caution
Another red flag to watch out for is when your new online boyfriend or girlfriend over-solicits for personal information. They may ask for details about your personal life, including your finances, health, and even your family. Scammers will take advantage of this to gather as much information as possible, which can be used to impersonate you or commit identity theft.
Conclusion
Entering into a new, online relationship can be exciting, but it's important to be vigilant. Scammers will use your desire for connection and trust to manipulate and deceive you. By recognizing the signs mentioned above and being cautious about the information you share and the requests made, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of a romantic scam. If in doubt, always double-check the person's information and never make financial transactions without thorough background checks. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry in the world of online dating and relationships.