As we’ve previously mentioned here in the Best UK Dating Sites blog internet romance scams are the scourge of online dating but they can be detected and avoided if you stick to a few basic rules.
The Daily Telegraph reports on the scale of the problem and its findings are based on the research carried out by Professor Monica Whitty, a psychologist and Professor of Contemporary Media at the University of Leicester, and Dr Tom Buchanan, a psychologist at the University of Westminster, who surveyed more than 2,000 people through an online YouGov survey.
The article claims that this is a largely unreported crime and that would seem plausible since those who may have fallen victim to the fraud may be reluctant to own up to being duped and perhaps don’t believe that there’s any hope of recovering their money.
The article points out that the scam is a double blow to the victim. Not only are they defrauded of money but they also suffer the heartache of realising that the person for whom they had developed strong feelings has hurt them emotionally.
The simple rule to follow is this; never, never, never send money to anyone you’ve met online. It doesn’t matter what sob story they tell you – don’t lend or give money to anyone you’ve met through a dating site.
Dating sites exist to provide a medium to bring people together and get to know each other so that they can eventually meet and develop a relationship. The relationship you have online with someone you’re getting to know is not the true relationship! It’s just the beginning of one so keep your wits about you.
- Don’t send money to people who say they adore you but can’t afford to come and see you.
- Don’t send money to people who tell you about a sick relative who needs an operation.
- Don’t send money to those who claim they have money coming soon but need a short term loan.
More information:
More From VintageAero
- The Online Dating Market Continues To Grow | Best UK Dating Sites
- Super Online Dating Reviewed | Best UK Dating Sites
- Online Dating for Mature Adults Over Forty | Best UK Dating Sites
VintageAero Recommends
- Work At Home – Use The Internet (MakingMoneyIdeas)
- Easy way for a 15 year old to make money online in the UK? (MakingMoneyIdeas)
