You hear about women conned by some guy she’s met online. You feel you have built the relationship through chatting, emails and texting. He tells you nice things and he wants to come see you..but then there’s a trouble that involves money. You feel sorry for the victim and you never think you are going to become one of these women.
It always starts off casual. You check the profile. He’s widowed with kids..you feel sorry. So you write back. You discover that you have so much in common and communication flows so much that it becomes one of your daily life…
Recently, I received an email from the woman in her late 40’s asking me if she is safe. She has some suspicion, but I felt like it was too late for her to believe what I say as she denied on every points I made. I hope our communication helped to raise the red flags in her mind before too late.
Online scammers have things in common. I thought I’d share my checklist:
The profile photo can be someone else’s – always do the name check. (I have celebrities following me in my IG..lol)
Widow / Widower status – photo with small children
Relatively nice looking, likable male with small children
Wearing uniform
Location: far from where you are – often Assigned to work overseas
Job: Government job, military personnel, Doctor, Civil engineer..some kind of professional job
The number of posts: Usually his page has many shared posts and 2-5 personal photos. (IG – private account)
He sends a private message
Check his English – if he says he’s from English speaking countries
If it happens to you…
just take the complements and block/ ignore!!
Delete or block the message so you won’t be tempted to reply or to become a victim.
OK, if it is too late and if you already have feelings for him… then here’s the reality check:
Ask to see if you could talk on the video – if he makes excuses to avoid showing face then walk away!
If he cancels the dates in the last minutes, then walk away!
If he asks to help him by sending him money then delete him!
He is trying to get to your soft spots, he doesn’t care about you but money. Remember, it always starts with a casual and friendly conversation. Be safe ladies!
The profile photo can be someone else’s – always do the name check. (I have celebrities following me in my IG..lol)