It’s no secret that dating has drastically changed following the introduction and quick rise of online applications. Now, instead of getting dressed up in the hopes you find someone at a social gathering, you can look for a love match from the comfort of your couch. While there are undeniable perks associated with online dating, it’s important to understand that romance scams are growing more prevalent as a result. As such, if you are an online dater looking to stay safe, the following blog explores what you should know about the most common ruses and how to tell if the person you’re talking to is real. In addition, you’ll learn why connecting with a Michigan identity theft lawyer is in your best interest during these difficult times.
What Are Romance Scams, and What Are Common Ruses?
Romance scams are ruses used by thieves to steal the personal information and funds of unsuspecting individuals, often looking for love online.
One of the most common ruses that is used is catfishing. This occurs when someone uses photos of another person, pretending to be them, to form a relationship with others. Often, they will provide excuses as to why they can’t meet in person or even video chat online, as this would showcase their true identity. In some instances, catfish may pretend to be active military members so they have a more valid excuse as to why they cannot meet or chat.
Another common ruse used by those looking to scam online daters is lovebombing. Essentially, this occurs when the individual showers their target with over-the-top displays of affection and compliments as a means of manipulating individuals into feeling swept up in the romance. As a result, this form of manipulation can lead individuals to provide more details or personal information than usual.
How Do I Protect Myself While Online Dating?
When you are online dating, it is imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself when interacting with others. Generally, the first thing you should do is limit how much personal information you openly share on your profiles. Often, those with a considerable amount of information make for easier targets in the eyes of thieves and scammers, as they tend to be more open when having conversations. As such, limiting your personal information can make you a less appealing target.
Next, you should reverse image search the photos uploaded to the profile of the person you are speaking with. This can help determine if they have been used elsewhere on the internet. You may even want to run the images through an AI image detector, as this can help determine whether or not the photos are of a fake person, as AI grows increasingly harder to detect.
If you believe you are the victim of an online romance scam that has compromised your identity, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this can be a complicated matter to recover from, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an attorney with Lyngklip & Associates as soon as possible. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
