A US guy in the military looking for love or a scammer out to fleece you of your money?
Some of you may have seen more than one friend request from such a person on Facebook and picked it as a scam a mile off. But I recently had a lovely friend of mine fall prey to such a con. So what makes some people more susceptible than others to romance scams?
Newly single after a divorce or long-term relationship
If you've been married since before the internet was a thing, you might not be aware of the prevalence of romance scams. Internet or app dating might be a new thing to you and you might be tempted to think that people on a Christian dating website will behave like Christians. Sadly this is not always the case. Before you enter the world of online dating, do your research and make Matthew 10:16 you motto:
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
Low Self-Esteem
If you've come out of an abusive relationship or experienced abuse in your family of origin, you might not know your own self worth. This leaves you particularly vulnerable to attracting someone who won't treat you well, including scammers.
Scammers often start off with love bombing, which is over-the-top displays of attention and affection and can include declarations of love very early on. This can be followed by a compelling sob story and requests for money or gift cards. If you decline to send money, the scammer will employ a guilt trip. I encourage you to seek counselling to discover your value and make Matthew 10:29-31 your motto:
"29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
What to look for and how to protect yourself
When someone adopts a fake persona or profile picture it is known as catfishing. See if you can verify their profile or picture through a google search.
NEVER send money (including gift cards) to someone you don't know no matter how convincing their sob story.
Be careful what information you give someone online.
If you met online and the person has an excuse for missing or cancelling a meet-up on multiple occasions.
If a person seems too good to be true, they probably are.
Report any suspected scammer to the Australian Government's Scamwatch here.
If the scammer contacted you on Facebook report them here.