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Online Dating Scams: Criminal And Psychological Aspects
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igor-zu on 14 May, 2008 06:03:00
 
Who are scammers? What is scam as a phenomenon of modern internet online dating?
Are you safe and protected against unfair activity of another party? It is
well-known, that Internet is both a place for communication between people and
a base for business. Some kind of business is fair – like online dating
sites, some others – not. The most dangerous kind of such
“business” are so-called “scammers”, people who use
legal ways of communicating in the Internet to earn money with dishonest ways.
People using online dating agencies are being warned to look out for fraudsters
who want to steal their money.
Some state officials as far as dating site operators say dating frauds are
becoming more common. The criminals create attractive online profiles for
themselves, designed to attract a particular victim. They then use bogus sob
stories to lure them into handing over personal information, such as their
address and bank account details.
Online dating scammers are heartless. They are happy to exploit people's
emotions for their own gain. Once the scammers have made contact with a
potential victim, through dating websites or chat rooms, they build up the
victim's confidence in their potential partner. Then they ask them for money,
with a false story to back it up. Among the common stories, says the OFT, are:
- They would really like to meet you, but do not have enough money to travel
- They are stranded abroad and do not have money for travel or visas
- They have been robbed and beaten, and require urgent surgery or treatment for
a serious illness - and you are the only person who can help them.
The authorities say there are several tell-tale signs that the story and the
person apparently behind it are bogus. Among them are requests to send them
cash by money transfer, no ability to contact the person except via the
internet, and a particularly good-looking photo.
The basic advice is never to hand over personal details, such as home address
or bank account details, to someone you have never actually met. And always to
use site with good reputation, reliable system of antiscam protection and
serious privacy policy towards all members.
(by http://news.bbc.co.uk)