Broad-shouldered, good teeth, lives alone, and has a successful career?This could be the one.
Of course, this makes them soulmates.
They’re in love.
Maria Korneeva / Getty Images
Hes a total scammer, and shes seriously embarrassed.
What Is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams are a key in of fraud where the culprit attacks one’s bank account through their heart.
Criminals dangle a fairytale romance to victims, transforming flowery language and frothy fantasies into dollars and cents.
Scamming is on the rise around the world.
OkCupid has a post listing ways to avoid scammers on theirofficial dating blogto protect their users.
Who Do Romance Scammers Target?
She recently coached an older client who was approached by multiple charlatans following her divorce.
She had been contacted by many potential scammers, she says.
(The pair could never meet in person because the European national worked on a remote oil rig).
Common Tactics Used by Romance Scammers
Catfishing is one of the tools used by romance scammers.
The term describes the practice of pretending to be another person online to an unsuspecting victim.
Most catfishers mirror the interests and the values of the victim.
They have the same life goals, religious views, political ideologies, etc.
Scammers Love to Lovebomb
Lovebombingis more than TikTok therapy speak.
Its the process of rushing a connection to fulfill an agenda.
Manufacturing that closeness allows scammers to manipulate a sense of obligation in their victims.
They feel as if they have to help the person because they are in love with them.
She also warns clients to avoid people who immediately jump into conversations about long-term commitment and marriage.
Beware of Blackmail
Blackmailis another common tactic used by scammers.
Sometimes, scammers can use nonconsensual pornography to attempt to extort money from you.
The number one sign of a romance scam is quick professions of affection.
She suggests daters be mindful of those who do not want to share information about themselves.
People withlow self-esteemand self-worth also might be predisposed to falling for a romance scam, she adds.
Understandably, victims feel unsafe anddistrustful of romantic relationships(or relationships in general) following the scam.
She also suggests learninghow to forgive yourselffor falling for the scam.
These scammers are really good at what they do.
No one who loves you will think less of you for having fallen for a scam.
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