Dating Scammers: How To Spot Them And What To Do

Online dating is a safe and happy way to meet people, as long as you keep your wits about you. Sadly, scammers know that many older people are kind, trusting and have savings put by, and that is exactly why they target us. At Singles Over 80 we take fraud very seriously and work hard to keep these rogues off the site, but your own good sense is the best protection of all.

What Is A Dating Scammer?

A dating scammer is someone who pretends to want a relationship when really they are after your money. It is a crime known as romance fraud, and the people behind it are often organised and very patient.

How To Spot A Dating Scammer

Language and grammar
Does the way they write match where they say they are from? Someone who claims to be a retired engineer from Yorkshire should not write like a badly translated instruction leaflet. Watch out for odd phrases such as "Hello my dear" or "I am David by name".

Moving too fast
Declarations of undying love after a handful of messages? Real people take their time. Scammers rush, because the sooner you are fond of them, the sooner they can ask for money.

Requests for money
Never send money, gift cards or vouchers to someone you have met online, however sad the story. Favourite tales include a plane ticket to come and visit you, an urgent hospital bill, customs fees on a parcel or an inheritance stuck abroad. Never share your bank details, card PIN or passwords with anyone, and remember your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account".

Profiles that do not add up
Be wary of profiles that claim to be working overseas, on an oil rig, in the forces or for a charity, or that say almost nothing at all. If the photo looks like it came out of a magazine, it may well have.

Trust Your Instincts

If something does not feel right, it usually is not. Talk it over with a family member or a trusted friend before you do anything, a fresh pair of eyes can spot what a fond heart misses.

Protect Your Privacy

Be careful if someone you have only just met wants to move the conversation to email, WhatsApp or the telephone straight away. Scammers do this to get away from our moderators. Take your time and keep chatting on the site until you feel comfortable.

How Do I Report A Suspected Scammer?

If a member does not seem to be who they claim, click the round button at the top right of their profile photo , select "Block User", then select "I Think It's A Fake Or Spam Profile" and follow the prompts on screen. A member of our team will look into it, and the person you reported will never know it was you. Once blocked, they will not be able to see your profile either.

If you think you have been scammed, call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud, the national fraud reporting service. You can read their advice on romance fraud here: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/romance-fraud/.

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