Fraudsters may create a fake profile with the name and images of a real soldier to send you messages online. They will try to foster an emotional connection, but will be ‘deployed’ before you can meet in person.
Next, the scammer may request money to pay for things like WiFi, medical bills or flights home – none of which are actually needed. In reality, it is all a ploy to steal your savings.
Intimate activity scams
A scammer will court you until you are comfortable enough to engage in a seemingly private and intimate webcam session. However, the criminal may then then reveal their true colours, threatening to release the recording unless you pay them a specified sum.
Photograph scams
In this type of scam, the culprit persuades you to send your contact details in exchange for intimate images of themselves. The reality is that they are trying to seize your personal information so that they can steal your money.
Fake dating sites
Some scam dating sites claim to offer legitimate connections but are in fact riddled with scammers. A common tactic entails asking you to create a profile in order to mine your data through sign-up or ‘premium membership’ questionnaires that request personal details.
Moreover, be wary of an influx of messages from suitors after you’ve made your profile, especially if it features minimal information. This is a romance scam red flag.
Code verification scams
You may be asked to verify your online dating account by a scammer posing as the official platform. The communications ask you to click on a third-party link and enter personal data such as your name, address, and even bank account or credit card information that will eventually be used to access your funds.
Malware scams
Malware is a prevalent type of romance scam. Users on dating sites may offer to share further details about themselves on a website page or fake social media profile. These pages contain malicious software that can steal your personal information, ultimately aiding identity theft and financial fraud.