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Acne Treatments Guide - Articles

How To Spot Internet Dating Scams

by Jessica A

Do you know about internet dating scams? If you spend any time socializing with people on the internet, you should be aware of them. The victims of these scams usually end up losing money, but they also suffer emotional damage; they are often left with a broken heart or a bruised ego. These scams are sleazy and awful. What normally happens is that a man or woman will begin talking with someone online. This usually happens at an internet dating site.

The scammer patiently lulls the victim into a false sense of security. They will communicate with each other long enough for the victim to develop strong feelings for the scammer. But at some point, the scammer will start talking about how they've hit on hard times. This is the direction that most internet dating scams go. They will usually make up some story about how they or a family member needs an expensive operation, or they might say that they won't be on the internet much longer because they can't afford the bills. Having grown to trust and care for the scammer, the victim usually does whatever they can do to help.

This usually involves sending money to the scammer, most often through Western Union or some other wire transfer system. Although the victim thinks they are helping out a friend in need, it isn't long before they realize that they've been scammed. Most of the time they never hear back from the scammer again. An occasional victim might see a 'thank you' letter and perhaps a few other notes, but that's not usual. It's a disgusting and pathetic form of deceit, but people engage in internet dating scams because it profits them. So watch out. If you're using an internet dating service, be alert and don't get taken in by 'friends' who need money or drop hints about needing help. You can avoid becoming a victim: Just don't send money to someone you have never met before.

Want to stay safe from scams and stop scammers dead in their tracks? Visit Known Scammers.com and check out our listings of all types of scams from Internet Dating Scams to Internet Survey Scams.

Published October 31st, 2007

Filed in Teen