These days, with the rise of online dating sites and apps, eg: tinder, bumble, okcupid, hinge, etc, online dating has become a norm of the young generations, especially among those groups with limited social circle, time and energy that can be put into the whole dating hookup hunting scenario. Indeed, we have to admit that online dating and hookup sites and apps are very time-saving and cost-effective way to find the right partner whether for serious relationship or for casual hookups, or sometimes even one-night stand or just a quick fling.
Regardless of the popularity and convenience it offers, what shouldn't be ignored is that increasing people are getting scammed online. According to the data released by FBI, romance scams cost Americans more than $475 million in 2019 alone and online dating scam accounts for a significant part. So if you are one of the online date hookup army, what do we need to know about online dating? Here are a few heads-up.
As we all know, even if they are all called online dating and hookup apps or sites, there are actually a great deal of types among them targeting at different clients and customers with different needs. There are local hookup sites, international dating sites, rich men dating sites, cougar dating apps, apps like tinder for casual hookup, discreet hookups, free hookup, etc. As a matter of fact, those romance scams also differ according to different types of online dating apps you choose to use.
For an example, if you choose a rich men dating site, you are likely to encounter some old men, the so-called "sugar daddy", telling you that they'd like to be your daddy, support your living and pay your bills. When you really talk to them for several minutes, you are going to find out that all they want is your credit card info or lead you to another site where they can steal your personal info or possibly just steal your money.
For another instance, if you use international dating sites, you might get messages from some really pretty girls claiming that they want to come to you, but they can't afford the flight ticket. If you take the bait and send them money to buy ticket, they'll just vanish after receiving the money.
Regardless what dating apps you choose, free or not, all they want is money and your personal info. Once you realize this fact, you will be less likely to be scammed. This is the panacea to kill them all.
There is another scamming. Let's say you choose a local hookup app and met a really nice girl who seems to be real, pretty and is interested in meetup with you. You might think "Okay, she wants to meet me, so that gonna make her a real one, right? Otherwise why she propose to meet?" Yes, many people think that. So you made up a plan to meetup. One day before that, she's gonna tell you that she's afraid that you are not real, suggesting you go to another site to get some verification code or pass.
Otherwise this meetup plan will blow away. Seems fair. No reason why other people don't suspect you. So you got a link from her. It needs your real name, bank account info and some other details. As long as you input those numbers, your money will be deducted right away. Then they just go boom!
All in all, if you are trying online dating apps and sites, you must be careful with your personal info. DO NOT REVEAL ANY PERSONAL INFO!!! We just cannot stress enough.
