how you can protect yourself from online love scammers – 8 security tips

Today we tell you how you can protect yourself from online love scammers. Dating scammers target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels. This matter should not be taken lightly. We can all be victims, no exceptions. They are becoming smarter and benefiting from our new technology. They know how to make them real and hit you when you least expect it. Their story is compelling and they know how to play with emotional triggers so you can give them what they need.

how you can protect yourself from online love scammers

1. Don’t Share Personal Information

Avoid sharing information such as your full name, date of birth and address with strangers. You never know what they will do with it. Be careful when choosing a username on dating sites. Do not include personal information such as your location.

2. Don’t send or receive money

Decline requests to send or receive money from someone you just met online. This applies to forms such as cash, via bank account, credit card.

3. Use shady dating sites

Fraudsters usually want to get their criminal activity off of reputable dating sites. They will convince you to communicate with them via social media, text messages or email. This is because the dating site has no evidence that they are cheating. Always request communications through the Website’s messaging services. If they manage to email you, be sure to use tools that verify the owner of the email.

4. Think twice before using a webcam

Be careful when using your webcam on someone new on the network. This also applies to people you think you know well. The footage can be used against you. Use cyber tools to protect your camera devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

5. Do a reverse image search

In this day and age, everyone has a digital presence waiting for their viewer. Find out about your cyber crush by checking out their social media profiles. Beware of profiles without joints. Do a reverse image search to see if their photos are currently on other sites.

6. Get a second opinion

Ask someone you trust for a second opinion. When emotions run deep, it can be hard to face reality. The idea that they are not who you think they are is not pleasant. Take a step back and ask a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion about your relationship. Since they are not blind to reason, they can see that you are too emotional for that.

7. Trust your instincts

If you feel something is wrong, it probably is. Be careful and cautious.

8. Avoid sending compromising media

Never send compromising photos or videos of yourself to anyone. It is dangerous if you have not met them in person. They can be used for blackmail later. At worst, they could be sold on the dark web.

Conclusion

Reports show #1 financial losses relate to online fraud. There are plenty of hearts to break and wallets to empty. Everyone needs to have an idea on how you can protect yourself from online love scammers.

The bottom line is: never send money or gifts to a “sweetener” you haven’t met in person.

Once your doubts are cleared and you are sure it is a scammer, stop.

Contact the person immediately.
Once you’ve been scammed, it’s usually impossible to get a refund. But reporting these cases helps researchers find commonalities. This can lead them to criminals.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, do the following:
After you’ve sent money, contact your bank immediately. This includes all conversations and transactions
Report the incident to the police
Report the incident to a dating site when the scam started
Falling in love is such a wonderful thing. But before you let someone steal your heart online, look for warning signs.

You don’t want your love story to end in cybercrime. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a happy ending.