6 Signs You’re Dating a Cheater
Their profile is too good to be true
Most legitimate profiles have a number of photos, but scammers are likely to use a few attractive photos or photos copied from other people’s profiles. Use Google or Tineye to see if images have been used elsewhere on the internet. However, these tools do not catch all counterfeits.
They need to switch platforms
Scammers will typically try to move the conversation away from reputable websites or apps as quickly as possible if their profiles are being monitored. They may suggest that you continue to chat on social media, email or other messaging services such as Google Hangouts.
You never meet them in person
Broken promises to meet face to face should turn on all warning lights. So are excuses to prevent you from talking to each other on camera. The fraudsters often claim to live or work abroad as a soldier, doctor or on an oil rig. Here they can send you a copy of a stolen passport to ‘prove’ their identity. Even if they accept a face-to-face video call, this can also be faked. The fraudster can steal real video clips from other people’s social media profiles – or even use artificial intelligence to create ‘deepfakes’ (manipulated video and audio).
They ask for money or gifts
It’s only a matter of time before a love scammer finds a way to ask you for money: bills to pay, travel expenses, expensive gifts or pre-loaded gift cards. They may only ask for small amounts at first, but the amounts grow.
They present you with an ‘easy’ investment opportunity
Another tactic is to offer you purported investment or trading tips. Once trust is established, the scammers claim they can help you make some easy money.
They are emotionally manipulative
Experts say there is a clear link between love scams and coercive control, which is otherwise usually associated with domestic violence. The scammers often ask you to keep information secret from friends and family. They may fabricate family tragedies, illness, or other dramatic events to manipulate you into wanting to help. They even scan the Internet for personal information to find the most vulnerable victims, such as the recently bereaved or divorced.
Source: British consumer site Which in 2022.
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Source: politiken.dk
