By: Risha

3 min. read

Please read this! I am no expert, but I’m sharing this from my personal experience.

I watch a lot of crime shows, and I’ve heard real stories from people around me as well, and dating scams are real. Thousands of women have already been affected. While men also get scammed, the ratio is lower.

Some men pretend to be someone else and play along until their motive is complete—just like “Fake it till you make it.” They tend to take advantage of women who are lonely. Once they know your vulnerabilities, especially if you end up sharing something really personal, for example, you let them about your bad breakup or divorce, then these men know exactly how to manipulate you.

Be careful what you share online. When you start talking to someone, take your time to get to know them. Ask about their family, friends, and work, and do your own research without letting them know. It could save you from long-term pain if you discover something off. Also, make sure to share details about your new relationship with a trusted family member or a close friend.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Asking for money by claiming they lost their job.
• Sharing they are filthy rich (own high-end properties, luxury cars and the list goes on).
• Suggesting you invest in something together but later making you pay their portion because they "can’t afford it."
• Claiming to work in the military, saying they don’t have phone access, or pretending they sent a package for you that got stuck at the airport—then asking for your financial information to "help."
• Creating fake emergencies, like a family member being sick or being hospitalized themselves, and asking for money.

Most of these scammers, especially online, are looking for easy money by targeting vulnerable women through dating apps. While there may be some good men out there, but some of them are not loyal AT ALL and are only there to scam, manipulate, or harm you physically and emotionally.

Please be cautious! Stay safe and trust your instincts.