Introduction
The online social world brings many benefits, but it also carries many risks. Social networking sites and dating sites can be great places to reconnect with old friends and establish new relationships, but they are all too frequently infested with scammers who have learned to use them for their own purposes.
Fortunately, many of these scammers share common characteristics. Understanding and recognizing these characteristics can help you to identify many scammers from the start.
This thread has been created to highlight and explain some of those characteristics. Note that this thread contains a more "in-depth" look at scammers. For a shorter, general overview, see An introduction to love or dating scams
If you have started communicating with someone online, and he or she matches many of the characteristics described in this thread, you are most likely dealing with a scammer. Please be aware that not all scammers are alike--if you are in an online relationship with someone who doesn't have many of these characteristics, it is still important to use caution, and be alert for signs that something "isn't right."
Remember: Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face, in person.
Signs to look for in a social networking or dating site profile
Photos used by romance scammers
A typical Romance Scammer profile
How does the scammer first approach you?
Other profile signs to consider
Communicating with a scammer
What other things should you look out for?
What are the common characteristics of an African’s writing style?
What are the common characteristics of a Russians writing style? under construction
Common misfortunes that will occur before needing money
How can I find out more information about the person I am dealing with?
The online social world brings many benefits, but it also carries many risks. Social networking sites and dating sites can be great places to reconnect with old friends and establish new relationships, but they are all too frequently infested with scammers who have learned to use them for their own purposes.
Fortunately, many of these scammers share common characteristics. Understanding and recognizing these characteristics can help you to identify many scammers from the start.
This thread has been created to highlight and explain some of those characteristics. Note that this thread contains a more "in-depth" look at scammers. For a shorter, general overview, see An introduction to love or dating scams
If you have started communicating with someone online, and he or she matches many of the characteristics described in this thread, you are most likely dealing with a scammer. Please be aware that not all scammers are alike--if you are in an online relationship with someone who doesn't have many of these characteristics, it is still important to use caution, and be alert for signs that something "isn't right."
Remember: Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face, in person.
Signs to look for in a social networking or dating site profile
Photos used by romance scammers
A typical Romance Scammer profile
How does the scammer first approach you?
Other profile signs to consider
Communicating with a scammer
What other things should you look out for?
What are the common characteristics of an African’s writing style?
What are the common characteristics of a Russians writing style? under construction
Common misfortunes that will occur before needing money
How can I find out more information about the person I am dealing with?
Need to post photos? http://scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=3219
Are you a victim of a romance scam? Read here for advice and FAQ's.
Are you a victim of a romance scam? Read here for advice and FAQ's.