There are plenty of ways to meet new people in the digital age, and social media is a great way to make connections. Dating apps are common, and some have even become their own subculture with niche communities where users can share photos, videos and messages about likes, dislikes and interests. However, the prevalence of online dating comes with its own unique risks.
Scammers know there are lots of lonely people out there looking for love—or something like it—and they’ll go to great lengths to take advantage of them. With so many reputable dating sites out there, you might think that you need to be particularly cautious when using lesser-known sites. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to spot and avoid a Facebook dating scam.
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What is a Facebook Dating Scam?
A Facebook dating scam occurs when someone uses the dating features of the site to trick you into sending them money, or to trick you into giving them access to your account. Dating scams are a common form of online fraud, and people of all ages and backgrounds are susceptible to them.
They can be a major problem on Facebook, since it’s such a prevalent platform where many people are actively looking to meet new people. When scammers use Facebook to find victims, they typically do so through one of the site’s dating features.
These include the “Dating” section in the Browse menu, the “Explore People” tab in the search bar, and the “Mutual Friends” feature.
Scammers may also pose as someone you already know, and try to start a conversation with you by pretending they’re the person you’re friends with on Facebook.
How to Spot a Facebook Dating Scam
The best way to avoid a Facebook dating scam is to spot one before you get involved. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- You met on Facebook
- While dating apps are a great way to meet new people, they’re also a prime setting for scammers to find new victims.
Why? Dating is a natural human urge, and people want to feel loved and desirable. Scammers know this, and they know that many people will be desperate to find love, so they’ll set up fake profiles and try to trick people into sending them money.
- They ask for money
- If a person suddenly tells you that they have to travel to see you (or that their wallet has been stolen, and they need money to get home), this could be a sign that they aren’t who they say they are. Be especially careful if they ask you to wire money to an overseas account.
- They pressure you into talking often
- If you feel like someone is constantly trying to talk to you, or they always keep the conversation going and won’t let you steer it back in another direction, this could be a sign that they’re trying to keep you on the line so you can’t get away.
- They use pictures that are stolen from social media accounts
- It’s estimated that about 1 in 10 people on dating apps use fake pictures. Scammers often use stolen pictures of attractive people, or pictures of people who aren’t even aware their photos are being used.
How to Avoid a Facebook Dating Scam
If you’re worried about falling for a Facebook dating scam, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Follow these tips, and you should be able to spot a scammer before they have a chance to scam you.
- Do your research
- Before you start chatting with someone on the dating feature, take a few minutes to read through their profile and see if they seem legitimate. If they have a legitimate-sounding bio, but their profile picture is stolen, you may be dealing with a scammer.
- Meet in public
- Although you don’t want to be overly cautious and rule out dating apps altogether, you should be careful when meeting people you don’t know in person. If you decide to meet someone, go to a crowded place during the day, and bring a friend along with you.
- Be careful when talking
- When you’re talking to a person you’ve met on Facebook, be careful of the information you give away. Don’t give out your real address or phone number without confirming that the person is legitimate first.
Stay Safe and Have Fun!
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find love, and the internet can be a great way to meet new people. With some caution, you can use the dating feature on Facebook to find people you might like to date without putting yourself at risk of a Facebook dating scam. If you spend time online, you’ll encounter plenty of scammers.
These criminals set up fake profiles on dating sites, social media platforms and other sites where people gather to try to trick innocent people out of their money.
Thankfully, you can protect yourself against scammers by being aware of the red flags listed above. Once you know how scammers operate, it’s easier to avoid falling for their tricks. Stay safe, and enjoy meeting new people online!
How do Facebook dating scammers work?
The goal of a Facebook dating scam is to trick you into giving them some piece of information, like your address, phone number or credit card details. Once they have that information, they can use it to break into your accounts and steal your money or identity.
Some scammers try to trick you into giving them information by making you think you’re talking to someone you already know. They might use the “mutual friends” feature to find someone you’re friends with on Facebook, and they’ll message you pretending to be that person.
Other scammers try to trick you into giving them information by pressuring you into giving it to them. They might ask you for your address or phone number right away, or they could try to trick you into giving them information by making you feel guilty.
They might say something like, “I just got in a car accident and my wallet was stolen, and now I can’t get home. Can you loan me some money?”
How scammers use Facebook to find and exploit victims
Scammers use Facebook to find new victims for a couple of reasons:
First, people tend to be more cautious around strangers they meet in person than they are around people they meet online.
Second, it’s easier to trick people into giving you information when you use the internet. The best way to protect yourself against a Facebook dating scam is to follow the tips above. Be cautious when you meet people online, and don’t give out information you don’t have to.
If you’re worried that you might fall for a Facebook dating scam, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Do your research before you start chatting with someone, meet in public whenever possible, and be careful when talking to people online.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to stay safe and protect your information.
Facebook red flags when meeting people online
When you’re meeting people online, you should always be on the lookout for red flags that could indicate a scammer. Here are a few things to look out for:
- They give you a sob story
- If a person tells you that something terrible has happened to them, don’t feel bad for them. You shouldn’t feel like you have to help them or give them money.
- They want to keep the conversation going
- If a person always keeps the conversation going, but doesn’t seem to want to meet you, that’s a red flag. They may be trying to keep you on the line so you can’t get away.
- They have little information about you
- If a person knows a lot about you, but you know very little about them, that’s a red flag. They could be faking information.
- They constantly change their story
- If a person keeps changing their story about where they’re from, where they work, or anything else, that’s a red flag.
Who Can Use Facebook Dating Feature?
Anyone who has signed up for a facebook account who is up to the age of 18yrs and above and the dating feature is available in his or her location. Another thing is that someone who wants to be able to access and use facebook dating feature to connect with singles online must ensure that his or her facebook app is updated to the latest version.