How do internet dating scammers operate?

 

Online dating scammers will create fake profiles, including false pictures, names, and information, which is usually catered to the type of victim they hope to attract. They will then gain the trust of victims through loving words, heartfelt conversations, and even gifts in order to attempt theft of money or identity.

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What is an online dating investigation?

 

An internet dating investigation is the use of a private investigator to reveal an online romantic partner’s true identity and motives. They will take actions like gathering in-depth information across multiple platforms, conducting extensive background checks, and tracing messages back to their original sources. Ultimately, the data gathered by an investigator will be used to put the victim at ease, uncover potential criminal action, and prevent future fraudulent activities by turning evidence over to the police.

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Common Internet Dating Scams

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• The Basic Swindle:  The most common scam is when the con artist, after forming a relationship with their victim, requests money for seemingly valid reasons, like a family member in the hospital or a severe car crash. After the money has been sent, they cut contact. The unsuspecting victim is left with a loss of money, a broken heart, and a distrust of people.  At the very moment they start asking for money or, you should be highly suspicious of their motives. If the person is sincerely interested in you, money and gifts are not the important thing to that person. 

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• Money Laundering:  Money laundering is also a fairly common scheme. It involves asking victims to send money or stolen objects, like laptops and cellphones, so that they are harder for the law to trace. Scammers also ask their victims to forward packages and cash checks.

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• Internet Scandal:  A recently rising scam involves con artists growing so close to their victims that intimate photos and/or conversations take place. Scammers then publish, or threaten to publish this private information, and will only remove it when given a large fee. Even then, there is no guarantee that the information will be removed.

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• Catfish:  A term based on a heartbroken filmmaker's movie, a catfish scam is when someone uses fake online profiles to appeal to their victims romantically. These scammers use fictitious names and photos to lure people in, sometimes for no other reason than to have a relationship.

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How to Avoid Internet Dating Scams

 

Sometimes it's easy to tell when and online contact is inauthentic, but some signs are not as obvious. Here are some actions you can take in order to traverse the web safely.

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• Ask to meet in person:  Most scammers will claim to be from your area but they are currently unavailable to meet due to working overseas or tending to a sick relative.

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• Note profile inconsistencies:  This includes pictures that look overly glamorous, that are not consistent with the person’s current claimed location, that do not match the person's on-line personality or character. You can also Google image search any pictures they provide. Significant age differences are also common since scammers often target older victims.

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• Keep a slow pace:  Con artists will often share or press for personal information right out of the gate. They will also declare strong feelings within a short period of time.

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• Use the dating site to communicate:  Internet dating scammers will usually prompt their victims to use more personal means of communicating, like emails or texting. Keep your communications through the internet site until you are ABSOLUTELY certain about his or her authenticity.

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• Look for abundant grammatical errors:  In their messages, look for abundant grammatical errors and vague statements. They may even call you by the wrong name. Remember, many scammers are talking to more than one victim at a time and sometimes get confused with who they are talking with at the time.

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• Don’t send money, information, or objects:  They will ask for money and usually accompany the request with a good excuse. However, you should never send money, objects, or even basic information to someone you haven’t met in person. NEVER give out your full name, your address, your birth date, your social security number, driver license number, credit card number, credit card security code, and bank account number to any person over the internet.

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• Stick to well-known dating sites:  Ultimately, use only well-known dating sites that most people know the names of. These websites make it harder to create fake profiles but remain cautious.

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Why should I hire a private investigator?

 

Internet dating scams often cause more pain than hurt pride or a broken heart. These scams are a form of fraud that can result in identity theft, crime, and significant loss of money. Having a professional, unbiased opinion that is familiar with these scams is vital to your safety and prevents money loss. Private investigators have experience recognizing and handling online dating scams. They also have access to tools, like background checks and high-powered software, which produce undeniable proof that will stand up in court.

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Call Midstate Security and Investigations, LLC today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your needs.