The hidden dangers of online dating.
Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating platforms or social media, often using AI-generated images or stolen photographs. These profiles are designed to attract unsuspecting individuals seeking love or companionship. When setting up a profile, dating applications generally offer a range of recommendations on likes and dislikes. Scammers usually select all the given recommendations to enhance their chances of finding a match.
This entire scamming process follows five stages. The first is baiting, where scammers use attractive profiles to draw in victims. Next comes conditioning, where they build emotional connections through intimate conversations. Then comes crisis creation, where they fabricate emergencies or crises to request money. This is followed by manipulation, where they blackmail victims with threats of exposing private information or images.
Finally, there is revelation, where the scam is exposed, often after incurring significant financial losses.
WHO ARE THE SCAMMERS?:
The perpetrators of these scams can assume various identities. They might be men posing as women, women posing as men, or even organized groups employing multiple individuals to execute their schemes. Reports indicate that a significant percentage in India alone — have encountered scammers during their search for love. These scammers exploit vulnerabilities in their victims, often targeting those who are emotionally open and looking for genuine connections. According to another report, 47 percent of men aged above 50 and 44 percent of women of all ages have reported being scammed.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM?:
Scammers lure their matches by posing as exceptionally attractive individuals with supermodel-like body frames. If someone looks too good to be true — stop right there. Within two days of knowing you, they are eager to take the conversation to another platform, such as WhatsApp. They want to know everything about you — your date of birth, address, and personal details. There is a 100 percent chance that these scammers are either not available on any social media platforms or, if they are, their accounts are newly created.
If someone is a scammer, they will fall in love with you within a day. They work their charm in such a way that victims find themselves emotionally attached almost instantly. This is another key trait of scammers. Their love and affection will be showered through the internet. They will avoid meeting in person, citing various reasons, and to protect their identity, they will also avoid video calls, as they prefer no face-to-face interaction. To gauge your financial standing, they may initially send small gifts, such as flowers. However, in return, they will ask for large sums of money or expensive gifts.
A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE OF DECEPTION IN DELHI:
Scammers can go to any lengths to deceive their victims. In one instance, on a dating app, a young man met a woman who insisted on meeting at a specific cafe. After an extravagant date filled with expensive food and drinks, the woman abruptly left, leaving him with a hefty bill of nearly 1.2 lakh rupees, which he was forced to pay alone.
In another case, a man was extorted after being lured into a situation where he was threatened for payment when he refused to cover an inflated bill at a restaurant. These incidents highlight how scammers often collaborate with local businesses to create elaborate schemes that ensure they profit from unsuspecting victims.
This was a real-life example, but if one wants to watch a series to learn about the dangers of online dating, Missing You on Netflix is a recommended watch.
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ONLINE SCAMS:
The rise of technology has made it easier for scammers to operate undetected. Many dating platforms lack robust verification processes for user profiles, allowing fake accounts to proliferate unchecked. Additionally, the use of AI-generated images complicates efforts to differentiate genuine users from fraudulent ones.
Victims are often advised to conduct reverse image searches on profile pictures and scrutinize conversations for generic responses indicative of AI-generated messages. As online scams increase, dating applications are introducing verified profiles.
These apps now require applicants not only to provide their social and personal interests but also to upload a government-issued document for verification.
It is advisable for dating app users to connect only with accounts that have verified badges. Additionally, AI tools such as Bitdefender Scamio can help detect fake profiles. Users can send any text, image, or QR code to Scamio’s chat box to verify its authenticity.
CONCLUSION:
While online dating offers exciting opportunities for connection and romance, it also poses significant risks due to the prevalence of scams, where “the guy is not the guy, and the girl is not the girl.” By understanding how these scams operate and taking proactive steps to protect oneself, individuals can enjoy the benefits of online dating while minimizing the risk of falling victim to fraud.
As technology continues to evolve, so must our strategies for navigating this complex digital landscape safely.
