Online Dating Scammers: 10 Red Flags To Spot & Avoid Them

• Blog
• September 22, 2022

There are a few key indicators that can help you spot an online dating scammer. By being aware of these red flags, you can save yourself from a lot of heartache and wasted time.

1. They have very generic profiles.

if someone’s profile is filled with generic information and doesn’t give you any insight into their personality, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who seems like they’re trying to hide who they really are.

2. They’re always available.

Scammers will often be very responsive when you first start talking to them but then their availability will start to drop off. If they’re always available to talk or meet up, it’s a sign that they’re not really busy with anything else in their life.

3. They’re vague about themselves.

If someone is being vague about themselves or their life, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who won’t share basic information about themselves or who is trying to hide something.

4. They have a sob story.

Some scammers will try to gain your sympathy by telling you a sob story. This is often a way to get you to send them money. Be wary of anyone who asks for money early on in the relationship.

5. They’re always moving.

If someone is always moving and never seems to be in one place for very long, it’s a red flag. This could be a sign that they’re trying to avoid something or that they’re not really who they say they are.

6. They have a lot of drama in their life.

If someone always seems to be surrounded by drama, it’s a red flag. This is often a sign that they’re not stable and that they’re not really who they say they are.

7. They’re pushy.

If someone is pushy about meeting up or about getting serious, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who is trying to rush the relationship.

8. They’re always talking about themselves.

If someone seems to be all about themselves and doesn’t seem interested in getting to know you, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who seems narcissistic or self-centered.

9. They have a criminal record.

If you find out that someone has a criminal record, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who has been convicted of a crime, especially if it’s a violent crime.

10. They’re not who they say they are.

If someone’s story doesn’t add up or if they’re trying to hide something, it’s a red flag. Be wary of anyone who isn’t being honest about who they are.

Online Dating Scammers: 10 Red Flags To Spot & Avoid Them

How to spot an online dating scammer

The world of online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it can also be a playground for scammers. Here are ten red flags to look out for when you’re getting to know someone online.

1. They’re always available.

If someone you’re interested in is always available to talk or meet, that’s a good sign. But if they’re always online and never seem to be busy with anything else, that could be a warning sign. Scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites and apps, and then message people they’re interested in, pretending to be interested in a relationship. If they’re always available to talk or meet, it’s likely they’re doing the same thing to other people.

2. They’re vague about their life.

When you’re getting to know someone, it’s normal to want to know more about their life. But if someone is vague about their background, job, or other details, that could be a sign they’re hiding something. Scammers often use fake profiles, and they may not take the time to fill out all the details about their lives.

3. They’re not interested in getting to know you.

If someone you’re interested in seems more interested in talking about themselves than getting to know you, that’s a warning sign. Scammers are often only interested in getting money from their victims, and they may not take the time to get to know the people they’re talking to.

4. They’re always asking for money.

If someone you’re interested in always seems to be asking for money, that’s a major red flag. Scammers will often ask for money to help with supposed emergencies, or they may ask for money to help them pay for travel to meet you. If someone you’re interested in is always asking for money, it’s likely they’re a scammer.

5. They have a sob story.

Scammers often use sob stories to try to gain sympathy and get their victims to give them money. They may claim to be sick, or they may say they’re having financial trouble. If someone you’re interested in has a sob story, be careful.

6. They’re pushy.

If someone you’re interested in is pushing you to meet in person or to give them money, that’s a warning sign. Scammers will often try to rush their victims into meeting in person or sending money, before their victims have a chance to get to know them.

7. They’re evasive about meeting in person.

If someone you’re interested in always has excuses for why they can’t meet in person, that’s a sign they may be a scammer. Scammers often create fake profiles and then message people they’re interested in, pretending to be interested in a relationship. But if they’re always evasive about meeting in person, it’s likely they’re not who they say they are.

8. They have a lot of grammar and spelling errors.

If someone you’re interested in has a lot of grammar and spelling errors in their messages, that’s a sign they may not be who they say they are. Scammers often create fake profiles and then message people they’re interested in, pretending to be interested in a relationship. But if their messages are full of errors, it’s likely they’re not who they say they are.

9. They refuse to video chat.

If someone you’re interested in refuses to video chat, that’s a warning sign. Scammers often create fake profiles and then message people they’re interested in, pretending to be interested in a relationship. But if they’re unwilling to video chat, it’s likely they’re not who they say they are.

10. They ask you for personal information.

If someone you’re interested in asks you for personal information like your address or bank account number, that’s a major red flag. Scammers will often ask for personal information so they can steal your identity or your money. Never give out personal information to someone you’ve only met online.

If you see any of these warning signs, it’s best to end communication with the person and move on. There are plenty of other people to meet online, and you don’t want to waste your time or your energy on a scammer.

10 red flags to look out for when online dating

When you’re looking for love online, it’s important to be able to spot a scammer. Here are 10 red flags to watch out for:

1. They want to move too fast.

If someone you’re talking to on a dating site starts pressuring you to meet up in person or talk on the phone before you’re ready, be wary. They may be trying to scam you.

2. They’re vague about their life.

Scammers often create fake profiles that are vague about their life details. They may say they’re from your city but they’re actually from another country, or they may not share any information about their job or family.

3. They have a fake profile photo.

Many scammers use fake photos to create their profiles. If the person you’re talking to has a profile photo that looks like it could be from a stock photo site, be cautious.

4. They avoid video chat.

Scammers often avoid video chat because they can’t be seen. If the person you’re talking to refuses to video chat with you, they may be hiding something.

5. They ask for money.

If someone you’re talking to on a dating site asks you for money, be very wary. They may be trying to scam you.

6. They have grammar or spelling errors in their profile.

If the profile of the person you’re talking to has a lot of grammar or spelling errors, be cautious. It’s possible that they’re not who they say they are.

7. They’re always available.

If the person you’re talking to is always available to chat or meet up, even when you’re not, be cautious. They may be trying to scam you.

8. They have a sob story.

Scammers often use sob stories to try and get people to send them money. If the person you’re talking to has a sad story about their life or family, be cautious.

9. They’re too good to be true.

If the person you’re talking to seems too good to be true, they probably are. Be cautious of anyone who seems perfect.

10. They’re pressuring you to meet up.

If the person you’re talking to is pressuring you to meet up in person before you’re ready, be wary. They may be trying to scam you.

How to avoid online dating scams

It’s no secret that online dating can be fraught with scammers, catfishers, and other unsavory characters. But there are things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Here are 10 red flags to watch out for when you’re online dating:

1. They Don’t Have Any Photos

If someone you’re interested in has no photos on their profile, that’s a huge red flag. Why would anyone want to date someone they can’t see? There’s a good chance they’re hiding something, and you don’t want to waste your time with someone who isn’t being upfront about who they are.

2. They Have Only 1 or 2 Photos

While not as big of a red flag as having no photos, having only 1 or 2 photos on a dating profile should still make you suspicious. If someone only has a few pictures, it’s possible they’re not who they say they are, or they’re not very interesting. Either way, you might want to move on.

3. Their Photos Are All Selfies

While there’s nothing wrong with a good selfie, if someone’s entire photo gallery is nothing but pictures of themselves, it’s a little narcissistic. And it could be a sign that they don’t have any real friends, which is a red flag in itself.

4. They’re Vague About Who They Are

If someone is being vague about who they are or what they do, that’s a red flag. They might be hiding something, or they might not be very interesting. Either way, you don’t want to waste your time with someone who isn’t being upfront about who they are.

5. They Have a Fake Profile Picture

If someone’s profile picture looks too good to be true, it probably is. Many scammers use fake photos to lure in unsuspecting victims. So if someone’s profile picture looks too perfect, be wary.

6. They Don’t Have Any Interests Listed

If someone’s profile doesn’t list any interests, that’s a red flag. It’s possible they’re not being honest about who they are, or they’re not very interesting. Either way, you don’t want to waste your time with someone who isn’t being upfront about who they are.

7. Their Interests Don’t Match Their Photos

If someone’s interests don’t match their photos, that’s a red flag. For example, if they have a picture of themselves in a club, but their interests include reading and spending time at home, that’s a red flag. It’s possible they’re not being honest about who they are, or their photos are fake.

8. They Have No Connections on Their Profile

If someone has no connections on their profile, that’s a red flag. It’s possible they’re not being honest about who they are, or they’re not very interesting. Either way, you don’t want to waste your time with someone who isn’t being upfront about who they are.

9. They’re Only Interested in Sex

If someone’s only interested in sex, that’s a red flag. You don’t want to waste your time with someone who isn’t interested in anything more than a physical relationship.

10. They’re Asking for Money

If someone you’ve never met is asking for money, that’s a huge red flag. Never give money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing they may be. There’s a good chance they’re a scammer, and you don’t want to be their next victim.

Tips for avoiding online dating scams

When it comes to online dating, there is a lot of opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Here are 10 red flags to watch out for to help you avoid becoming a victim of an online dating scam:

1. Be wary of anyone who asks for personal information early on in your interaction. This includes things like your full name, address, financial information, etc.

2. Be cautious of anyone who seems to be moving too fast. If they are pressuring you for a commitment or financial assistance before you’ve even had a chance to get to know them, it’s a red flag.

3. Don’t give into pressure to meet in person before you’re ready. If someone is pressuring you to meet up before you’ve had a chance to get to know them better, it’s a red flag.

4. Be wary of anyone who asks you to send them money. This is a huge red flag and should be an immediate dealbreaker.

5. Be cautious of anyone who seems to have a lot of unrealistic expectations. If they seem to be looking for a perfect match who meets all of their impossibly high standards, it’s a red flag.

6. Be wary of anyone who seems overly fixated on physical appearance. If they seem to be primarily interested in your looks and not interested in getting to know you as a person, it’s a red flag.

7. Be cautious of anyone who seems to be hiding something. If they are reluctant to share personal information or photos, it’s a red flag.

8. Be wary of anyone who refuses to video chat or meet in person. If they have a good excuse for why they can’t meet up with you in person or do a video chat, it’s probably a red flag.

9. Be cautious of anyone who seems too good to be true. If they seem too perfect or their profile seems too good to be true, it’s a red flag.

10. If you have any doubts, trust your gut. If something feels off about the person you’re talking to, it’s probably a red flag.

If you encounter any of these red flags while online dating, trust your gut and move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea and you don’t want to waste your time on a scammer.