At a time when online dating is more popular than ever before, dubious providers are taking advantage of loneliness and the longing for human closeness. Many people, especially men, have recently fallen for fraudulent sex portals and are faced with horrendous bills. But why do so many remain silent instead of confronting the fraudsters?
Fraud with the feeling of shame of dating portal users
The Berlin consumer advice center has found that numerous users, especially men, have been caught up in fraudulent practices on online dating websites. The hook? Many of them don't even remember signing up. Legal expert Simon Götze emphasizes how important it is not to be paralyzed by shame. It is precisely this feeling that fraudsters exploit to calm down their victims and take money out of their pockets.
The scam with the pictures
What's particularly shocking is that their photos are often shown on the bills that those affected receive. It remains a mystery how the operators obtained these images. In combination with the offensive name of the portal on the letterhead, those affected are intended to be further intimidated.
EXACTLY - THE PODCAST OF THE CONSUMER CENTER
“Romance Scams”: Being ripped off when flirting online The tricks behind the subscription traps of dubious dating and sex meeting portals, how you can protect yourself from them and defend yourself legally in the event of damage
Your rights as a consumer
Important to know: As a consumer, you have rights. One of the most important is the right of withdrawal. It is valid up to 14 days after conclusion of the contract. This period is even extended by one year if you have not been properly informed of this right. If the company ignores the right of withdrawal, legal advice should definitely be sought.
Safe on the Internet: Protect your data
One of the most important things to do is to exercise caution when surfing the internet or using social media. Clicking on a supposedly interesting dating profile or even revealing personal information can be tempting. However, always be skeptical and do not give out your information carelessly.
Conclusion
The world of online dating can be rewarding, but it also poses dangers. Don't let yourself be paralyzed by feelings of shame or intimidated by dubious portals. Your rights are clearly defined. You should know them and make use of them. It is important to remain vigilant and seek professional help when in doubt.
Finally, we would like to invite you to sign up for our Mimikama newsletter . Stay up to date when it comes to online security. And take advantage of our diverse media educational offerings . So you are not only safe, but also well informed.
Source:
Consumer advice center , podcast
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