The use of applications or websites to meet people is a
phenomenon
that grew globally, in the same way and at the same time that scams and deceptions that occur through these services also increased.
Romance scams
occur
when a person uses fake profiles in different applications such as websites, social networks,
messaging applications and, especially, in
dating apps
.
To minimize the chances of
being the target of a possible love scam
, as advised by the Head of the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory,
Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya
, you should not share too many personal details publicly on social networks, among other precautions.
Meanwhile, he maintained that if "if it happens and you are
the victim of a love scam,
it is very important not to suffer in silence, or feel ashamed and
report the crime
."
Romance scams occur when a person uses fake profiles on different apps.
Photo: Shutterstock
The 7 warning signs to spot a fake profile on dating apps
As detailed from ESET, in the first instance
it is difficult to identify when it is a false profile
, since the users of these applications seek to establish a relationship.
However, there are indications that it may be a scam.
Next, the
7 points to pay attention to detect fake profiles
on social networks and dating applications are:
1.
Beware of
profiles that seem too good
to be true, especially if the person's profile photo appears to have been taken by a professional photographer.
2.
Be alert for profiles that
lack important information
, such as a bio or a list of interests.
3.
Beware of
people who claim to have a lot of money
or a well-paying job, but
still ask for financial help
.
Never provide personal information, such as full name or financial details, at least until you have met the candidate personally.
4.
Be on the lookout for people asking for money, no matter what reason they give for needing it.
5.
Beware of people who claim they are experiencing an emergency and say
they need a money transfer done
right away.
Or with anyone claiming to be military personnel asking for help with a package they are trying to send to you.
Both are common tactics used by scammers.
6.
Watch out for people who seem to be
moving too fast in the relationship
.
7.
Be skeptical of people who use
overly formal or romantic language
in their messages.
Technology is constantly evolving and scammers are continually adapting their methods as well.
Therefore, it is essential
to be vigilant at all times
, even when a person's profile seems perfect.
Meanwhile, when noticing that you are facing a "love scammer",
report it to the dating application
to prevent the scam from harming other people.
They advise to be careful with profiles that seem too good with professional photos.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
How to avoid scams in dating apps and social networks?
.
Conduct
research
on anyone you meet on the internet.
It may not sound very romantic, but it could prevent problems and money loss in the long run.
.
Look up the
name and other details
to see if the person's life story matches the information on the Internet.
.
Carry out a
search for the profile photo
in Google, to validate that it matches the name and/or details of the profile, or if it is a false image.
.
Avoid sharing too many personal details
publicly on social media.
.
Be alert to a new relationship's behavior online when
they ask too many questions
or
are evasive
in answering.
.
Never send money to anyone
you haven't met in person, never open new bank accounts for others or send compromising photos or videos.
.
Immediately cut off all communication
if you suspect a potential scammer.
.
Remember that when
something sounds too good to be true
, it is most likely malicious or offensive activity.
LN
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