During the epidemic, many women have fallen victim to online dating scams, forcing them to lose thousands of dollars or more. If you’re a victim (or want to prevent becoming one), keep reading to learn how to detect and avoid dating scammers.
When people lose money in online dating scams, we shake our heads in bewilderment. “Wow, it was so apparent!” “How could they possibly fall for that?” That’s what we tell ourselves, convinced that we will never be a victim. Don’t get too excited about that. Many are still losing money to online dating scams, as con artists prey on lonely individuals suffering from pandemic loneliness.
Love scams, along with e-commerce fraud, Macau scams, non-existent lending schemes, and SMS frauds, are among Malaysia’s most prevalent financial scams.
In August 2020, a businessman told authorities that he lost 30000USD owing to an internet love fraud using his 14-year-old son. The victim’s son reportedly befriended a girl on a social media platform, who then convinced the victim’s son to lend her money.
Despite police crackdowns and press coverage emphasizing the dangers of online dating frauds, we continue to hear about situations like this on a daily basis.
Why are so many people falling for online dating scams?
Online dating applications like Match, OkCupid, and Bumble have risen in popularity as individuals accept digital dating as the new normal amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
According to the ASEAN Post, dating apps in the United States had a 21 percent increase in usage between September and October 2020, with Match rising by 21 percent, OkCupid growing by 21 percent, and Bumble expanding by 16 percent.
According to the same survey, comparable increases have been documented in other regions of the world. App for Chinese dating Tantan said that its average consumption in February 2020 jumped by more than 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
While these applications are good places to meet new people, users should exercise caution while socialising.
Suli Malet-Warden, an identity security counsellor with IDCARE (Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service), told ABC News (Australia) that fraudsters snare their victims by exploiting the sophisticated language of love to bond with them.
“Language is really essential. When we interact with victims, they tell us they’ve been linked, frequently in the early stages, using incredibly affirming language, and we’re all suckers for it,” Malet-Warden said.
“Being told how much they are loved, how wonderful they are… they use that kind of validating language, and the prolific nature of it, regular text messages not just during the day, but also at night.” The victim then waits for those affirming texts to arrive. They’re quite helpful, attractive, pleasant, and relaxing,” the identity security counsellor noted.
Malet-Warden also mentioned in the same article that the process leads our brains to release chemicals such as dopamine, which promotes euphoria, as well as increased oxytocin levels, which raises our level of trust.
3 Ways to Find out the Online Dating Scammers
Aside from the incredibly encouraging and charming communications, here are some more tell-tale signs on how to detect online dating scammer.
1- Your date expresses his feelings for you fast
When someone declares that he or she is in love with you in a short amount of time, alarm bells should go out in your brain. It’s a technique used by scammers to encourage you to disclose your personal information and, indirectly, the answers to security questions used to safeguard crucial internet accounts.
2- Your date works in another country
The individual may claim to be a foreigner with a successful career outside of Malaysia. Your internet love partner may be “staying” in the United States or Europe. The following are some of the various “professions” that romance fraudsters have been known to use:
1- A soldier stationed in a different nation
2- A doctor who works in another country
3- Despite the considerable distance, fraudsters frequently express their want to see you. They will also add that they are planning to meet you as soon as international travel restrictions are eliminated.
3- Not accessible for video chats or phone conversations
They usually charm you with SMS messages. When you call, your call will likely go to voicemail. They’ll subsequently explain that they’re on a plane for a business trip, or that they’re in the middle of an important meeting at work. Scammers are skilled at inventing reasons.
They may also say that the internet coverage in their area is poor. As a result, they are unable to communicate with you via video conference. Prepare for even more excuses.
What should you do if you are a victim?
If you have been defrauded, BNM recommends that you take the following steps:
- Submit a police report
- Then, notify the appropriate law enforcement officials.
- Keep all documents and paperwork, including vital information about the people/organizations involved, such as name, age, title, and agency.
