Showing posts with label match.com scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label match.com scams. Show all posts
February 11, 2011
Gay Online Dating Scams - How to Avoid Them

Scammers Increasingly Target Gay Dating Sites













Online dating websites are booming, and gay internet dating websites are also growing rapidly. Mainstream match-making sites like eHarmony and Match.com offer gay online dating, and other sites are entirely devoted to helping gays and lesbians find their perfect match. Many gays are also finding their partner or friend on social networking sites like Facebook. The bottom line is that many homosexuals are now pairing up online, and scammers have taken notice. Criminals have been targeting online dating website members for some time, and have recently expanded their target to include gay and lesbian dating sites and members.

International private investigators and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI report that complaints and reports of internet dating scams are on the rise, and have become a serious problem. These scams are a real risk for online dating members and users of social networking sites. With millions of users worldwide, criminals are now using these platforms as their hunting ground, posing to be Mr. or Ms. Perfect on gay and lesbian sites. Match.com's response to a recent NBC News story was that the website tries to educate its members, but screening all the members for fraud is currently not possible. In the dating scam video, the victim contacts Wymoo® International and has the individiual verified, only to learn that the person was a fraud, and that everything he had said was a lie. Experts emphasize getting a background check early in order to minimize the risk.

Law enforcement officials warn that scams and advance fee fraud are becoming increasingly complex. Criminals are now using convincing methods, and slowly building trust with their victims. One they gain your trust, they go for your money or personal data. If they can gather enough information, criminals can often steal your identity. Online dating members often unknowingly reveal all the information crooks need, such as your address, date of birth, full name, etc. Private investigators advise never to reveal your personal data to anyone over the internet. If you feel the relationship has potential, consult a professional private investigator to have the person verified. If he or she lives or works in a foreign country, there is an increased risk, so be sure to contact a professional international background check firm for assistance. The sooner the individual is verified, the better.

1) Be skeptical of anyone who falls in love over night.
2) Requests for financial assistance is a red flag.
3) Be skeptical of model like photos and "too good to be true."
4) Never share your DOB, address or credit card data.
5) If there is real potential , get a background check.

The trend in online dating and dating scams is expected to continue, and with the increased risk, the demand for dating background checks should also remain high. A true background check should verify if the person is who he or she claims to be, and is much more than checking criminal records. The discreet service usually includes verifying education and employment, address verification, ID or passport verification, travel records, civil and public records, fraud screening, etc. Consult a professional background check firm to verify, and play it safe.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch



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February 4, 2011
Match.com Scams and Online Dating Scams: How to Avoid The Fraud

Romance Scams a Growing Threat, Say Investigators
















Match.com is the leading online dating site with over 20 Million members and serving 25 countries and languages. Many members are using the site not just to find love in their local area, but also abroad, finding romantic relationships with international members. In addition to Match.com, there is eHarmony, Facebook and countless other ways to connect and meet people online. Starting relationships online is a great way to connect, and can be fun and rewarding. This trend also has new risks, however, as investigators and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI report a significant rise in online dating scams, romance scams, identity theft, and other types of fraud from online dating.

For relationships begun online, it's important to know that no site is immune from fraud. Match.com and other match-making sites have no effective way to screen or verify all users, so be aware that there are criminals mixed in with the honest members, and these criminals are actively looking for victims. Their objective is to gain your trust, win your love, and then steal your money or your identity. And, they are quite good at what they do. Experts advise never to reveal your personal information online to anyone not known personally. Keep your credit card information, address and date of birth private. Take your time and be skeptical of any request for money, such as emergencies, etc. If the relationship is progressing, or if you suspect scam, private investigators say the only way to truly verify the subject is via a real international background check company or firm.

The FBI and Wymoo® International reported in a recent NBC dating scams report that online dating scams are a growing and serious problem, and both are receiving more reports of people being scammed. Fox News ran a similar online dating scams report, highlighting the problem with romance scams on sites such as Match.com. Fox News also applauded Wymoo's efforts on investigating these types of cases, and for their work on preventing scams and fraud.

Because criminals are experts at gaining victims' trust, experts say a professional international private investigator is often required to minimize the risk. If a person lives or works in another country, it can be very difficult to know who you are dealing with, and investigators say it is better to be safe than sorry. Experts say to think of a background check as a prudent insurance policy when dating online.

1) Be skeptical of anyone who falls in love over night.
2) Requests for financial assistance is a red flag.
3) Be skeptical of model like photos and "too good to be true."
4) Never share your DOB, address or credit card data.
5) If there is real potential , get a background check.

Online dating and finding love and new friends via the internet is here to stay. Subscribers should proceed with caution, understand the risk, and get a background check when necessary.

All the Best,

S. Birch
© 2011 S. Birch
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