4 Online Dating Scam Signs

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Let’s face it, scammers are everywhere. On our social media platforms, websites, and emails and even on dating apps and sites, including the ones you may know and trust.


Because of online dating scammers, you need to pay attention and look out for these four online dating scam signs…

Spelling and grammar errors. If the person you are chatting to is English speaking, but their conversations are full of terrible spelling and continuous grammar errors then be wary. Obviously not everyone speaks English as their native language, but scammers often like to cross borders online in search of foreign victims, so spelling and grammar errors are a red flag.

Copy and paste. Some messages and emails may read way too well if so be wary! Scammers love to steal information and content from other dating profiles and just paste them into their own so they don’t have to bother to write their own. If the text looks too perfect, run it through an internet search and see what pops up.

Strange links. Real dating site or app users will sometimes include links to music videos, websites, travel destinations, etc. A scammer will fill their profile full of links to fraudulent websites that’ll try to sell you something. You may also find links to X-rated websites, so be extra careful and look out for this blatant warning sign.

Strong feelings. A scammer will try to accelerate the process of the new relationship by sending you a huge amount of compliments and kind words as well as things about themselves that they have never told anyone else. One of the most obvious warning signs is when they request money from you for an emergency or because they have been robbed. If anyone requests money from you, stop chatting to them immediately!

All in all, online dating is a part of the online world and more and more people are meeting their significant others online, but there are a range of scammers who love to use dating sites and apps to take advantage of people and their emotions.


Stay informed and be safe!

If you suspect you're the victim of an online dating scam, contact our OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) department on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za

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