Freezing and reviving the human mind may soon be possible
The rise of online romance scams has reached alarming levels, as highlighted by a recent case in France. A 53-year-old woman was swindled out of €830,000 (US$852,200) by fraudsters using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to impersonate Brad Pitt, even concocting a story about cancer treatment. Her situation highlights the growing dangers of online romance scams, making it crucial to recognize red flags and take proactive steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Click to learn how to spot and avoid online romance scams.
Use tools like reverse image searches to ensure their photos aren’t stolen. Scammers often use attractive stock images or stolen pictures to build a fake persona.
If someone professes love or deep emotional connection too soon, it's likely a manipulation tactic. Genuine relationships take time to develop trust and emotional bonds.
Legitimate partners won't ask for financial help, especially early in a relationship. Scammers often fabricate emergencies to convince you to send money.
Scammers create vague or overly perfect profiles. Look out for minimal personal details and inconsistencies in their story.
Request live video calls to confirm their identity. Scammers avoid showing their real faces because it doesn't match the photos they've used in their fake profiles.
Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, financial information, or workplace. Scammers can use this to steal your identity or further exploit you.
Many reputable dating platforms verify user identities through documentation or social media connections. Verified profiles reduce the risk of encountering scammers.
Scammers frequently claim to be working or living abroad to explain why they can't meet you in person or why they need financial assistance.
Discuss your online relationship with friends or family. Their impartial perspective may help you spot red flags or manipulative behavior you might overlook.
If they claim to be in the military, undergoing a medical crisis, or involved in international work, independently verify these details before believing them.
Stick to trusted dating websites that have safety measures like reporting tools and customer support. Avoid platforms with no oversight or security.
Scammers often use poor grammar, repetitive phrases, or strange responses. These inconsistencies may reveal they are non-native speakers or using scripted messages.
Watch for overly dramatic stories designed to elicit sympathy, such as being a widowed single parent or facing a sudden life-threatening crisis.
Scammers often pressure you to commit quickly, knowing that extended conversations increase the likelihood of you uncovering their deceit.
Avoid moving the conversation to private messaging apps or emails, where scammers can operate without reporting tools.
Look for a consistent online presence. A lack of followers, few posts, or newly created accounts could indicate the person isn't genuine.
Scammers might send you gifts to gain your trust. Later, they might ask for a favor in return, which usually involves financial support.
Scammers struggle to provide consistent answers about personal details. Asking specific questions can reveal inconsistencies in their story.
Scammers often claim high-paying or adventurous jobs like doctors in war zones or oil rig workers to explain their inability to meet.
Scammers may pressure you to send intimate photos, later using them for blackmail or emotional manipulation.
If they message excessively or at odd hours, it may indicate they are targeting multiple victims in different time zones.
Scammers might accuse you of not caring or being heartless if you hesitate to help them financially.
Search their phone number or email address online. These details may appear in scam warning databases or forums.
Scammers often use generic phrases like "my love" or "darling" to avoid mixing up names when communicating with multiple victims.
Scammers might send fabricated photos of passports, military IDs, or certificates to appear credible. Examine these critically, as they're often doctored.
Scammers are increasingly asking for payments in cryptocurrencies, which are harder to trace. Treat such requests as a major red flag.
If you suspect a scam, report the profile to the platform and consult anti-scam resources like online forums or government websites dedicated to scam prevention.
Familiarize yourself with common scam stories. Many scammers claim to be stuck abroad, in need of medical help, or facing legal issues to extract money.
Sources: (BBC) (Euronews) (Equifax)
See also: Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word
Lessons from the “Brad Pitt” case: How to avoid romance scams
Protect your heart and wallet while navigating the search for love online
LIFESTYLE Dating
The rise of online romance scams has reached alarming levels, as highlighted by a recent case in France. A 53-year-old woman was swindled out of €830,000 (US$852,200) by fraudsters using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to impersonate Brad Pitt, even concocting a story about cancer treatment. Her situation highlights the growing dangers of online romance scams, making it crucial to recognize red flags and take proactive steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Click to learn how to spot and avoid online romance scams.