The pursuit of genuine love can be challenging, especially when some individuals are only interested in your money.
Finding love is already a complex journey without the added burden of encountering scammers, yet this is a common issue in modern dating.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it becomes crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls in online dating.
Fortunately, Sarah Lenette, a financial crime specialist at Starling Bank, has outlined five indicators that someone might not have the sincere romantic intentions you hope for.
If the person you are communicating with lacks presence on social media platforms aside from dating apps, this is a significant warning sign. It limits your ability to verify their authenticity.
Lenette shared with The Independent that performing ‘a reverse image search’ through Google or services like ‘TinEye’ can be very telling.
She notes that TinEye can help determine if the images on their profile correspond to different individuals.
“If the pictures don’t match up, question why this is,” she advises.
Advancements in artificial intelligence make it increasingly simple for individuals to create deceptive personas with fake images.
If your online match consistently avoids meeting in person or engaging in video calls, Lenette advises proceeding with caution.
She explains that common excuses from fraudsters include claims of working abroad or serving in the military.
While this might create an intense connection, it could also be a strategy to isolate you from friends or family who might notice suspicious behavior.
Lenette suggests, ‘always take a step back and ask why’ someone might not want you to share information.
It’s easy to become engrossed in a romantic relationship, which brings us to another red flag: love bombing.
We all enjoy the feeling of being loved, but maintaining a level head is crucial so you don’t end up revealing too much personal information or giving away money.
Whether through ‘excessive flattery, overly communicating their feelings for you and being intense about your future together at too early a stage,’ Lenette warns that this strategy may lead you to overlook how little you actually know about the person. This dependency can make you more inclined to comply with their requests in an attempt to maintain closeness and favor.
Finally, there’s one major red flag to watch out for.
When someone unexpectedly requests money through messages, consider it a red flag.
Ensure you verify the identity of the person you are communicating with, especially if there is an urgent request for money.
You’ve been advised to remain cautious.