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Ahh Valentine’s Day is just around the corner… the day when we wear our heart on our sleeve…
Not so fast! Online dating can find you a mate, but chances are you might find some scams while you are looking for love. I have plenty of friends who have found “the one” online, but I am asking you to think with your head before you open your heart (or your wallet!)
There are several scams on online dating sites. The typical cybercriminal creates a fake profile, attempts to gain your trust and then asks for money. They may say they need money for a plane ticket to come visit you or give you some story about how they are in a terrible situation and need cash.
The “Military Ploy” involves a dating profile where the person claims to be in the military. As the online relationship progresses, they ask the victim to apply for a “military leave” so they can come for a visit. They then offer up official looking military paperwork to fill out along with a fee that they promise will be returned.
Apparently the “Mail order Bride” has gone digital! For a monthly fee, potential grooms can “shop” for wives around the globe. Unfortunately, scammers abound on these sites creating fake profiles. Once they establish a relationship, they ask for money for a visa or tickets to visit, but they never show up.
So use you head and stay in control when signing up for a dating site. Ask around for referrals from your friends for reputable sites and actually read the “terms of service” and/or privacy statement so you know what you are signing up for when you join.
Cyber Dating Tips From your Cyber Mom and McAfee
1. When signing up for online dating, go with a well-known dating site and get referrals from friends on which sites they use
2. Once signed up to a dating site, stay incognito for a while. That way, if you run into someone who’s dishonest or makes you uncomfortable, you stay safe
3. Design your dating profile with care—think about the image you want to project and NEVER, under any circumstance, post personal information, such as your full name, address and phone number
4. Vet potential dates by checking to see that their profile information matches other online information, such as their LinkedIn profile.
5. When meeting a date for the first time, make sure to meet in a public place and DO NOT give them your personal address. Trust your instincts—if there are red flags, you are not imagining things. End the date
6. If a potential date asks you for a loan or any financial information, immediately report them to the dating site
So this Valentine’s Day (and year round) protect your wallet and your heart while using dating sites. Stay safe out there!
Tracy
@mcafeecybermom
cybermom@mcafee.com
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