Valentine’s Day is a very happy day for couples in relationships, however, it can be a particularly lonely time for people who are not, but are seeking one.  Many people seek romantic partners online and there are many legitimate online dating services, however, there also are many online dating services that are just scams and, unfortunately, even on legitimate online dating services, it has been estimated that 10% of the online dating profiles are scams.  Most online dating scams follow a similar pattern.  The person you meet online falls deeply in love with you quite quickly, but they live far from you and getting together in person is quite difficult.  In addition, there is always an excuse for their not using a webcam while conversing online.  In fact, one reason for this is that sometimes, the person may be representing themselves as being one sex, when they are actually the other; a man may be representing that he is a woman to a heterosexual man seeking a romantic partner.  Quite early in the relationship an emergency arises or perhaps they just want you to send money so that they can come visit you.  In either situation, they need you to wire money to them.  If you do, you will lose this money.  The relationship is a scam.

TIPS

Only deal with well established online dating services on the Internet.   Although it is not a guarantee that you will not be scammed, it increases the odds in your favor.  Be wary of someone who falls in love with you quickly.  Be particularly skeptical if this person suddenly needs you to send money for any reason and never send money by wire upon request by your romantic partner.  This is good indication that the relationship is a scam because scammers prefer funds to be wired because they are more difficult to trace, retrieve or stop payment.  Be wary of telltale signs such as emails that are from people who represent to you that he or she is an American abroad, but his or her English grammar and spelling is bad.  One final warning.  Never send nude or suggestive photos because those photos can be used to blackmail you later.