Beware of Dating Scammers: What They Are, How to Spot Them, and What To Do About Them

Understanding Dating Scammers

Online dating can be a wonderful way to meet new people, but it’s important to stay cautious. At Singles Over 80, we work hard to protect you from online fraud and scams.

What Is a Dating Scammer?

A dating scammer is someone who tries to exploit you for their own benefit. This kind of fraud is called romance fraud when it happens in online dating. How to Spot a Dating Scammer

Language and Grammar:

Pay attention to how the person writes. Does their language match where they say they are from? Are there unusual phrases or poor spelling? Messages that sound strange, like "I am George by name, I and 50 by age," are red flags.

Fast Moving:

Be wary if someone expresses strong feelings of love very quickly. Genuine relationships take time to develop.

Money Requests:

Never send money to someone you meet online, no matter how convincing their story is. Scammers often ask for money for things like plane tickets or request your bank details for "safekeeping."

Suspicious Profiles:

Look out for profiles that mention working abroad, especially in charities or the armed forces. Blank profiles or unrealistic photos can also be signs of a scammer.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, trust your gut. It probably is.

Protect Your Privacy

If someone you meet online wants to move your conversation off the dating site too quickly, be cautious. This could be a tactic to avoid detection by our staff.

Reporting a Suspected Scammer.

If you suspect someone is a scammer, click the round button at the top right of their profile photo , select "Block User," then select "I Think It's A Fake Or Spam Profile" and follow the prompts on screen. A member of our team will investigate your report. The owner of the profile you are reporting will not know anything about your report. Once blocked, they won't see your profile anymore either.

For more information on preventing romance scams, visit the UK police website here: UK Police Romance Scams.

Stay safe and enjoy your online dating experience!