Have you ever swiped right on Mr. Perfect, only to find out he was Mr. Pretend? If you’ve ever been catfished or scammed on a dating app, trust me, you are not alone! It’s the wild, wild west out there, and honey, you’ve got to be armed and ready. So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here) and let’s dive into the seven surefire ways to keep your heart and wallet safe from the fakers of the digital dating world.
1. Google Is Your Bestie (Use It!)
When you meet someone online, do a quick reverse image search on their profile photos. If they pop up on a stock photo website or someone else’s profile, you’ve got yourself a catfish! Also, try searching their name, job title, or even snippets of their conversation. It’s not stalking; it’s survival!
2. Too Good To Be True? It Probably Is.
If he claims he’s a billionaire entrepreneur who’s just too busy to meet in person but has time to chat endlessly online, raise those eyebrows, sis. Scammers thrive on creating dream scenarios to lure you into their web. Stay grounded and question the fairytale.
3. Slow Down, Speed Racer!
Does he declare undying love by the second date? Pump the brakes! Real connections take time. Scammers rush emotional intimacy to make you feel obligated to help them when that “sudden crisis” magically appears.
4. Video Calls Are Non-Negotiable
If he keeps dodging FaceTime, Zoom, or even a simple phone call, RUN. Real people will make the effort to show their real face. Suggest a casual video call early on, it’s the quickest way to separate the fakers from the real deal.
5. Guard Your Personal Info Like A Dragon Guards Its Treasure
No need to hand over your home address, work details, or financial information to someone you just met online. Scammers will try to gather as much personal info as possible to exploit you. Keep it light and keep it private.
6. Spot the Sob Story Trap
Beware of anyone with a tragic tale that suddenly requires your financial help. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a broken-down car, or a “business deal” gone wrong, this is their classic move. Compassion is a beautiful thing, but use it wisely.
7. Trust Your Gut, Always
Your intuition is powerful! If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore those red flags waving frantically in the background. Swipe left on anyone who triggers that inner alarm.
Final Thoughts
Dating apps can be amazing places to meet genuine people, but they’re also crawling with scammers ready to pounce on your kindness. Arm yourself with these strategies, and you’ll be swiping with confidence like the queen you are!
What’s the craziest scam attempt you’ve ever encountered? Share in the comments below! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends, because knowledge is power, and we’re all in this together.