Last Updated on July 7, 2023
Online dating has become a popular way to meet people, especially since the pandemic when in-person socialization was limited. And while many have found successful love stories through online dating platforms, there are those who take advantage of this platform to scam others. Scammers from Colombia are mainly known for their convincing tactics, so it is essential to know the signs of a Colombian online dating scammer.
What are the Signs of an Online Dating Scammer?
Online dating scams are a significant problem today, especially in Colombia. Scammers create fake profiles and lure unsuspecting victims into sending them money or personal information. They can be hard to detect, and the consequences can be devastating.
Red Flags:
1. They Move Too Quickly
One of the first signs of a Colombian online dating scammer is that they tend to move too quickly into a relationship. They may shower you with affection, compliments, and promises of a future together, even though you have only talked briefly. Be wary of anyone who tries to establish a deep connection too soon. They may try to manipulate you into sending them money or personal information.
2. They Ask for Money
A typical red flag of online dating scams is that the scammer will ask for money. They may have a sob story, such as a sick family member or financial troubles, and they will use this story to ask for your help. Do not fall for this trap! Never send money to someone you have never met in person. If someone is genuinely interested in you, they will respect your boundaries and not ask for money.
3. They Refuse to Video Chat
Video chat has become a fundamental aspect of online dating, but a scammer will avoid it at all costs. They will have a range of excuses for why they cannot video chat with you. Perhaps they do not have a webcam, or their internet connection is too slow. Whatever the reason, if they are avoiding video chat, there is a chance they are hiding something from you.
4. Their Profile Pictures Look Suspect
A scammer may use photos of a model or someone else instead of their own pictures. To verify the authenticity of their profile pictures, you can perform a reverse image search on Google or applications like TinEye. Doing this will show you where else on the internet these images have been used. Scammers often use images they find online, so if you find that the image has been used in many different places, you can be sure it is fake.
5. They Avoid Meeting You in Person
Finally, a warning sign of a Colombian online dating scammer is that they avoid meeting you in person. They will give you excuses for why they cannot meet you, such as not having the money to travel or being too busy with work. If they delay meeting you, it is a clear sign that they are not interested in a genuine relationship.
How to Stop Colombian Online Dating Scams?
With the increasing popularity of online dating, it may come as no surprise that romance scams are on the rise. And let us face it; those dating apps can sometimes be a little sketchy. So, what can you do if you fall victim to a sweet Colombian scammer? Here are a few tips:
· Take a deep breath, and do not panic. It happens to the best of us. But try to gather as much evidence as possible – screenshots, chat logs, etc.
· Report the crime ASAP! Be sure to contact the dating app’s support team, but do not stop there. You can also file a report with local law enforcement, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the Federal Trade Commission.
· Next, secure those accounts, people. Set up 2-factor authentication and use strong passwords. This will prevent any future scams.
· Additionally, if you sent payment or any personal information, it could be best to reach out to your bank and freeze your Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian until they have done a thorough investigation.
· Finally, reach out to your loved ones. Remember, you are not alone in this. Getting support from your friends and family is key to getting through this tough time.
Summary:
Online dating can be an amazing experience, but you must be cautious of those trying to take advantage of you. Stick to reputable dating platforms and report suspicious activity to the website’s customer service. By knowing the signs of a Colombian online dating scammer, you can enjoy the process of online dating and find true love with someone who shares similar interests and values.
Have you or someone you know experienced an online cyber-crime? The good news is that there is help there. At Cyber Investigation, we have experienced agents who are ready to assist. You can call our sextortion helpline, available 24/7, to reach one of our agents, who will guide you through the process of reporting the crime. The sooner you act, the sooner we can help you protect yourself and bring the perpetrator to justice. Don’t wait; reach out to us right away.
