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Top tips to avoid online dating scams
Over a third of couples in the UK meet online — not just through dating apps and websites, but via social media and gaming sites. Between August 2019 and August 2020 there was a 26% rise in romance scams reported to Action Fraud.
So how do you avoid being scammed whilst looking for love online?
1. Stay on the platform
When chatting to someone new, make sure you message on the platform you met them on, and don’t feel pressured into giving out your phone number. Staying on the platform makes it easier to report to the online dating website if something goes wrong, meaning you’re more protected.
2. Play detective
Do your research into the person you’re talking to and search for their name, pictures and things they say using a search engine. Some dating apps have the option to verify profiles so you know the person you’re talking to is legitimate. Make sure you ask lots of questions and get to know the person you’re talking to.
3. Don’t spill all your secrets
Never share logins, passwords or bank details with anyone you’ve met online and never send money to people you don’t know. Use caution if someone asks you an unusual question such as ‘what was your childhood pet?’ as these are often used as security questions for forgotten login details.
4. Be suspicious
Be suspicious when online dating, especially when someone you’re talking to asks you for money. Online dating scams exist to make money from victims so be very cautious if someone requests money from you. Be wary of ‘sob stories’ as this is another way scammers try and get money out of their victims.
5. Tell other people
Scammers might try to alienate a victim from people they know, so make sure people you trust know about who you’re talking to. Letting someone know can also help you if you’re suspicious about someone, as chatting things through can help.
Throughout October, we’re supporting Action Fraud’s #LoveNotLies campaign highlighting romance fraud and sharing tips for how to avoid it. Check out the campaign here.
Our Scams Action service can help if you’ve been the victim of an online scam. Available online and over the phone Monday to Friday 9am — 5pm. Find out more about the service here.
