It’s not unusual for daters to consider what they hope to find in a love interest. However, you need to keep your personal information secure and you have to sort through the real daters and the fakes. Increasingly, relationships begin online. The number of online dating sites has exploded, and so has the number of scammers trying to target your personal information.
Be Aware of Internet Dating Red Flags
As with most online activities, crowds of legitimate users are interspersed with con artists who are eager to capitalize on an opportunity to scam victims out of cash and personal information.
Relationship and security experts say that you should note these Internet dating red flags:
Limited Availability:
- Is the person only available during certain times or certain days for online online messaging or calls? Be very concerned if they can’t arrange a time to call or meet you. They always seem to be away, working overtime or dealing with personal problems they can’t take a break from.
- Offers limited or conflicting information:Don’t go out with someone if they won’t supply you with their full names and phone numbers. The person could be hiding something from you such as a criminal history or being wanted. Ask for the basic information and if it seems fishy or you don’t get it, just move on.
- Sounds too good to be true: In that case, they usually are.
- Talks about money: Any conversation heading towards money or loans in any capacity is a red flag. Watch out for scammers who ask for financial help to purchase transportation in order to have your first offline meeting. If a potential date asks for money, report it to the online dating community.
- Wants to move too quickly: Whirlwind romanced sound romantic but they pose a huge risk to your financial and personal security. Be wary of companions ready to sweep you off your feet and confess their undying love after just a few online conversations. Also be very cautious of those who want to take the conversation to anything other than the online dating site.
