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Verify their identity -

Use tools like reverse image searches to ensure their photos aren’t stolen. Scammers often use attractive stock images or stolen pictures to build a fake persona.

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Be skeptical about sudden love -

If someone professes love or deep emotional connection too soon, it's likely a manipulation tactic. Genuine relationships take time to develop trust and emotional bonds.

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Never send money -

Legitimate partners won't ask for financial help, especially early in a relationship. Scammers often fabricate emergencies to convince you to send money.

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Look out for red flags in their profile -

Scammers create vague or overly perfect profiles. Look out for minimal personal details and inconsistencies in their story.

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Insist on video chat -

Request live video calls to confirm their identity. Scammers avoid showing their real faces because it doesn't match the photos they've used in their fake profiles.

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Don't share personal information -

Avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, financial information, or workplace. Scammers can use this to steal your identity or further exploit you. 

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Look for verified profiles -

Many reputable dating platforms verify user identities through documentation or social media connections. Verified profiles reduce the risk of encountering scammers.

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Be cautious of international contacts -

Scammers frequently claim to be working or living abroad to explain why they can't meet you in person or why they need financial assistance. 

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Consult trusted friends -

Discuss your online relationship with friends or family. Their impartial perspective may help you spot red flags or manipulative behavior you might overlook. 

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Research their stories -

If they claim to be in the military, undergoing a medical crisis, or involved in international work, independently verify these details before believing them. 

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Use reputable dating platforms -

Stick to trusted dating websites that have safety measures like reporting tools and customer support. Avoid platforms with no oversight or security.

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Monitor their language style -

Scammers often use poor grammar, repetitive phrases, or strange responses. These inconsistencies may reveal they are non-native speakers or using scripted messages.

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Be aware of emotional manipulation -

Watch for overly dramatic stories designed to elicit sympathy, such as being a widowed single parent or facing a sudden life-threatening crisis.

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Don't let them rush you -

Scammers often pressure you to commit quickly, knowing that extended conversations increase the likelihood of you uncovering their deceit.

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Stay on the platform -

Avoid moving the conversation to private messaging apps or emails, where scammers can operate without reporting tools. 

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Check their social media -

Look for a consistent online presence. A lack of followers, few posts, or newly created accounts could indicate the person isn't genuine.

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Watch out for unsolicited gifts -

Scammers might send you gifts to gain your trust. Later, they might ask for a favor in return, which usually involves financial support.

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Ask specific questions about their life -

Scammers struggle to provide consistent answers about personal details. Asking specific questions can reveal inconsistencies in their story.

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Be wary of exotic professions -

Scammers often claim high-paying or adventurous jobs like doctors in war zones or oil rig workers to explain their inability to meet.

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Avoid sharing intimate photos -

Scammers may pressure you to send intimate photos, later using them for blackmail or emotional manipulation.

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Look for strange communication patterns -

If they message excessively or at odd hours, it may indicate they are targeting multiple victims in different time zones.

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Beware of guilt-tripping -

Scammers might accuse you of not caring or being heartless if you hesitate to help them financially. 

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Cross-check their contact details -

Search their phone number or email address online. These details may appear in scam warning databases or forums.

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Spot generic expressions of affection -

Scammers often use generic phrases like "my love" or "darling" to avoid mixing up names when communicating with multiple victims.

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Test their knowledge of their claimed background - Ask questions related to their profession, culture, or claimed location. Scammers may struggle to answer convincingly.

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Watch out for fake official documents -

Scammers might send fabricated photos of passports, military IDs, or certificates to appear credible. Examine these critically, as they're often doctored.

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Keep an eye for requests for cryptocurrency -

Scammers are increasingly asking for payments in cryptocurrencies, which are harder to trace. Treat such requests as a major red flag.

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Report if you suspect a scammer -

If you suspect a scam, report the profile to the platform and consult anti-scam resources like online forums or government websites dedicated to scam prevention.

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Know the scammer's tactics -

Familiarize yourself with common scam stories. Many scammers claim to be stuck abroad, in need of medical help, or facing legal issues to extract money.

Sources: (BBC) (Euronews) (Equifax) 

See also: Could it be someone else? Why your family must have an AI safe word

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