As we know, love at first sight doesn't just happen in films. But what if it's almost too good to be true? Our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet warns about love fraud on the Internet and explains how to recognize it and protect yourself from it.

These signs indicate love fraud:

  • Male love cheats are usually successful doctors, soldiers or pilots . Female love scammers mostly enchant you with provocative photos or sexual promiscuity . No matter whether male or female, the person is currently abroad and appears perfect !
  • Your new acquaintance is open and tells many personal stories : about losses, grief and separation, but also adventures, travel and success at work.
  • The person speaks of love .
  • The online acquaintance answers quickly , always has an open ear , is hard-working and caring . She almost always wishes good morning or good night, and the messages seem standardized.
  • Personal meetings never take place . Your plans are often thwarted by tragic incidents such as deaths, family members in distress or job loss.
  • The person asks for money, vouchers or goods . It appeals to your compassion and creates emotional pressure. She promises to pay you back the money immediately.

Check Internet acquaintances

In general, be skeptical if strangers write to you. With a quick search you can find out whether it is a fake profile:

  • Search the person's name online. 
    Preferably with the addition “Scam”, “Scammer” or “Fake”. If you have an email address, search for that on the Internet too. Also check addresses if the person has provided a home or work address.
  • Check the person's profile. 
    How long has the profile been around? How many friends or followers does it have and who are these people? Only women or only men?
  • Use reverse image search. 
    Criminals use images from the Internet, for example from public Facebook or Instagram profiles, for their profiles. With a reverse image search, you may be able to find out where the images were stolen from.

How to do a reverse image search:

Download the image or save the image URL.
To do this, click on the right mouse button and select “Save image as…” or “Copy image address”.

Uncover love scammers via reverse image search
Watchlist Internet (instructions for reverse image search, saving image locally)
Uncover love scammers via reverse image search
Watchlist Internet (instructions for reverse image search, copy URL)

Open Google Images and tap the camera icon .

Uncover love scammers via reverse image search
Watchlist Internet (instructions for reverse image search)

Attach the image URL or upload the image.

Uncover love scammers via reverse image search
Watchlist Internet (instructions for reverse image search, upload image)

Google will now show you sources where the image occurs.

Communicate securely on the Internet

  • reveal any personal information such as address, employer, date of birth, etc.!
  • Do not send nude or revealing photos . Not even if your acquaintance sent you photos first.
  • Don't agree to a video chat too quickly. First, tape off the camera and observe the situation.
  • Be careful if a personal meeting does not take place.
  • If a meeting does occur, choose a busy location such as a café or public square.

Are you affected?

Follow these tips to free yourself from the love scam trap:

  • Acceptance: 
    Accept that you have been affected by fraud. Don't let feelings of shame and guilt overwhelm you. It is important that you file a police report so that you have solid proof of the fraud.
  • Get active:
    Now is the time to get active!
    Focus on your well-being and be careful not to isolate yourself from friends and acquaintances. Seek social and psychological support. For example, self-help groups and forums run by other love scam victims are helpful. Materials and information in English can be found at https://romancescamsnow.com/ . German-language offers are available at www.rsb-forum.de and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LiebeundBetrug/ .
You might also be interested in:Love fraud: This is how you can support those affected!

Source:
Watchlist Internet


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )