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What You Need To Know About Internet Love Scam
The scammer persists with the story to gain the victim’s trust and adoration, then asks for money as proof of love.
Tips for avoiding online dating scams
1. Always ask for a live video call with the person.
2. Stop communicating with the person immediately.
3. Cross-check and verify.
4. Slow down and talk to someone you trust.
5. Do not send money.
What is Internet Love Scam?
After befriending an attractive person (who is usually foreign) online, he or she tells a tale about falling into trouble or hard times.
The scammer persists with the story to gain their victim’s trust and adoration, then asks for money as proof of love. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears.
Lies Romance Scammers Tell
- Claim to be wealthy, or from affluent, prominent families
- With business interests requiring they travel extensively outside the country.
- Scammers try to establish a relationship very quickly, gain their victim’s trust, and sometimes propose marriage.
Signs You’re Being Scammed
- They prefer to move communications away from dating websites.
- They ask a lot personal questions about you
- They avoid answering personal questions about themselves.
- They try to establish a bond quickly.
- They ask for financial help.
Tips for Avoiding Online Dating Scams
- Always ask for a LIVE video call with the person
- Stop communicating with the person immediately
- Cross-check and verify. Conduct an online search to cross-check the person’s name, photo, location, email address and other details for legitimacy
- Slow down and talk to someone you trust. Tell a friend or family member about your situation, and discuss your next steps with them
- Do not send money
How To Report a Romance Scam
- Contact your financial institution right away if you think you’ve sent money to a scammer.
- Report the scammer in the online dating site
- Always ask for a LIVE video call with the person
- Report the person to https://www.scamalert.sg/scam-details (if in Singapore)
What Really Matters
When you know how to report a dating scammer, it can be empowering. Many times, victims who report a scam feel a sense of relief after notifying authorities.
Not only can it help with their personal circumstance, it can also prevent people from falling victim to the romance scammer in the future.
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References
- How to spot and avoid romance scams. (2022). Equifax. https://www.equifax.co.uk/resources/identity-protection/how-to-spot-and-avoid-romance-scams.html
- Romance Scams. (2022, March 2). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams
- Stay Safe Online: Avoid Romance Scams | United States Secret Service. (2022). United States Secret Service. https://www.secretservice.gov/romancescams
- What You Need To Know About Romance Scams. (2021, May 20). Consumer Information. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams
- Security National Bank. (2021, February 8). How to Detect (and Avoid) an Online Romance Scam. https://www.snbsd.com/about/news/how-to-detect-and-avoid-an-online-romance-scammer
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice since 2009, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Clinical Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
