Romance fraud with a twist: WhatsApp dating scams
Finding love is no easy feat. Long gone are the days when you might serendipitously meet your true love at a coffee shop, bookstore, or concert. These days, if you're single and looking for love, you're likely scrolling through dating sites and apps. But here's the catch: not all tall, dark, and dreamy profiles are real. Shocking, right? (Cue sarcasm.)
Yes, of course, most people are aware of dating app scams, catfishing and romance scams, but not everyone knows about WhatsApp romance scams. Which brings us to the topic of this article.
FTC:Romance scams total $1.14B, with median losses of $2,000 per person.
In this article, we'll cover WhatsApp dating scams, how scammers lure people from online dating sites to WhatsApp, and why they love using that platform. As always, we'll give you tips to steer clear and why using cybersecurity software like Guardio is always a good idea.
Let's jump in.
Tired of worrying about online dating scams?
The hidden dangers of WhatsApp in online dating
In the age of online dating apps and websites, making a connection seems easier than ever. Imagine you finally get matched on Tinder with someone dreamy. They love dogs, share your interests, and the chemistry is electric. But then, out of nowhere, they ask for your number, saying they'd rather chat on WhatsApp because it's more intimate, or some other charming reason.
But wait, is WhatsApp really used for dating? Well, not really. Hate to break it to you, but more than likely, your new love interest is probably a scammer. They’ll build up a romantic relationship with you over weeks or even months, gaining your trust before asking for money or convincing you to share sensitive personal information. This sneaky tactic is also known as "pig butchering," where the scammer fattens up the target emotionally before the financial slaughter.
Why scammers love WhatsApp
So, what's the real reason scammers want to move the conversation to WhatsApp or Telegram? These platforms offer end-to-end encryption, making communication untraceable and the culprits hard to find. Sketchy, right? And these platforms aren't limited to romance scams – scammers love using these apps because they provide anonymity and security, allowing them to operate with little risk of being caught. Your spidey sense should definitely be tingling when someone you just met online wants to switch the conversation to a different platform. Remember, true love doesn’t come with a price tag or an urgent request for money.
WhatsApp dating scams are particularly insidious because they exploit the platform's security features to manipulate and deceive victims. Scammers often use fake photos and elaborate stories to gain trust. They might even employ fake video calls, using pre-recorded videos to create an illusion of authenticity.
Romance scams: What to look out for
It doesn’t matter which platform you’re on – Facebook catfish scams, Instagram dating scams, Plenty of Fish scams, Snapchat meetup scams – the warning signs of online dating scams are often the same:
They try to move you off the dating app or site quickly
Online dating apps usually have customer care teams monitoring for strange behavior. If they notice a user sending the same message to numerous people or other unusual activity, they might flag it as suspicious. To dodge this, scammers try to move you to another platform like WhatsApp as quickly as possible. They might say things like, “My membership is about to expire,” “I don’t like logging in here every day,” or “It’s easier to chat on WhatsApp.”
They shower you with compliments and affection early on
Scammers know how to tug at your heartstrings. They’ll shower you with compliments, send sweet messages, and make you feel like you’re the only person in the world for them. But be wary if someone you just met online seems too good to be true – they probably are.
They have a sob story and need your help
Once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll hit you with a sob story. Maybe their dog needs surgery, their car broke down, or they’re stuck in a foreign country and need money to get home. Whatever the tale, it’s designed to pull at your heartstrings and get you to open your wallet.
They avoid meeting in person or video chatting
Scammers will always have an excuse for why they can’t meet in person or do a video call. They’re traveling, their camera is broken, or they’re too busy with work. If someone is serious about a relationship, they’ll want to see you face-to-face, even if it’s just on a screen.
So, if your dreamy new match is pushing to move the conversation off the app, showering you with love right away, spinning sob stories, or dodging face-to-face meetings, it’s time to raise your guard. While the scammer’s manipulation tactics may vary, their endgame is always the same: stealing your personal information and money. They’re masters of disguise, and their goal is to make you feel so connected that you overlook the red flags. Don’t let them play you – stay vigilant and protect yourself.
How to avoid WhatsApp dating scams
Now that you know what to look out for, here are some tips to avoid falling victim to WhatsApp dating scams and other online relationship scams:
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Stay on the platform: Resist the urge to move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other platform too quickly. Scammers want to get you off the dating site because these platforms monitor for suspicious behavior. If someone is genuinely interested in you, they’ll be happy to chat where you met.
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Verify their identity: Before getting too emotionally invested, try to verify the person’s identity. Ask for a video call early on. Scammers often avoid this because they can’t keep up the charade.
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Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to the details of their stories. Scammers often slip up and provide inconsistent information. If something doesn’t add up, trust your gut and back away.
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Never send money: This is the golden rule. No matter how convincing the story, never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
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Use cybersecurity software: Using cybersecurity software like Guardio can protect you from WhatsApp fraud. If someone tries to solicit you to click on a link or visit a sketchy website, Guardio will block it immediately, keeping your personal information safe and secure.
The bottom line
So, to sum things up: if you’ve read this whole article and are still thinking, "Is WhatsApp used for dating?" then the answer is – not really. You might also be wondering, "Is it safe to use WhatsApp on a dating site?" Not so much. And "Is WhatsApp safe for intimacy?" Absolutely not when it comes to strangers you meet online. Secure online dating involves staying aware and cautious, avoiding dating scams, and protecting your heart and wallet from romance scams.
Remember, avoiding dating scams isn’t just about being cautious; it’s about being smart. Keep your wits about you, and you’ll be better prepared to spot a scam before it happens. Stay safe out there, and may your search for love be free of scams and full of genuine connections!
