Polski
In the era of online dating, it is easy to run into someone who is not who they say they are. Fake profiles are more common than we think, and can often lead to disappointment or even problems. So how do you avoid being fooled? It’s worth learning some simple ways to help you spot suspicious accounts and avoid dealing with scammers.
Table of Contents:
- How do you recognize that you are dealing with a fake profile?
- Why do scammers create fake accounts and what do they want from you?
- How to defend against catfishing?
How do you recognize that you are dealing with a fake profile?
Recognizing a fake profile can be difficult, especially when someone has prepared it well, but there are some warning signs to look out for. One of the main signs is an overly perfect photo. If someone looks like a model straight off the cover, and their photos are very professional, this could be a signal that the account is not real. Many fake profiles use beautiful but stolen photos found on the Internet. It’s a good idea to use an image search to see if these photos are available on other sites.
Another issue is very quickly professed love and too intense commitment. If someone you’ve just met online declares deep feelings for you after a few days, that’s a red flag. Fake accounts often “attack” with intensity and feelings, hoping to build trust quickly.
Also watch out if someone avoids video calls or live meetings. This is a classic sign of catfishing – the scammer doesn’t want to show his face or voice because he is not who he claims to be. He will always find an excuse not to meet for a video call or a meeting in real life, explaining his work, technical problems or various fanciful stories.
If someone asks strange, overly personal questions or immediately starts asking about your finances, that should also trigger your vigilance.
Why do scammers create fake accounts and what do they want from you?
Scammers set up fake accounts for one simple reason: they want to gain something from your trust. Fake profiles are a way to profit, and victims often don’t realize the danger until it’s too late. What are scammers most often looking for? Usually their targets are money, personal information or simply emotional exploitation.
Many scammers work in a very deliberate way. At first, they try to gain your trust. They can pretend to be people who are looking for love, friendship and even help. They write messages that sound extremely warm and caring, and their goal is to make you feel special. They give the impression that you have finally come across someone who really understands you. Such closeness makes it easier for them to carry out their plan.
The most common targets of fraudsters are:
Money: This is the simplest and most immediate target. Scammers may tell stories of sudden financial trouble or serious health problems. They often make up elaborate stories designed to elicit sympathy and persuade people to send money to help. This could be a request for a loan for “urgent medical treatment” or help with a supposedly difficult life situation. Sometimes they promise to repay the loan, but as soon as they get the money, they disappear without a trace.
Personal data: Fake profiles can be used to phish for data that can be sold or used for other scams. They may ask for your address, phone number, or even more detailed information like your bank account number or PESEL. They often do this under the pretext of “getting to know you better,” or ask for photos of documents to “confirm” your identity. Such data can later be used for identity theft or to carry out other scams in your name.
Emotional control: Some scammers simply want to play with someone’s emotions. They set up fake profiles to manipulate and control their victims, building a sense of dependency. They engage in a toxic emotional game, making the victim begin to trust them more and more, become emotionally involved, and then often suffer when they suddenly disappear.
How to defend against catfishing?
Protecting yourself from scammers on dating sites, or so-called catfishing, is very important. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid unpleasant situations and protect yourself:
Pay attention to details: When you meet someone new online, take a good look at his profile. Check if his photos are natural. Scammers often use professional photos or photos of other people. If the photos look too good to be true, this can be a warning sign.
Ask for specific information: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! See if the person you are talking to can answer simple questions about their life. Scammers often don’t have specific information about themselves or their story changes over time.
See what he says about himself: A person who has a real profile will be willing to share information about himself. If someone avoids talking about himself or doesn’t want to talk about his life, it may be suspicious.
Use video chat: When you start to get comfortable with someone, try arranging video chats. It’s a great way to make sure that the person you’re talking to is really who they say they are. It can be difficult for scammers to show up on camera, because then they are easier to expose.
Don’t give out personal information: Be careful not to share your personal information, such as your address, phone number, or bank information. Scammers can use this data in many dangerous ways. It’s always better to be cautious.
Check profiles on the Internet: You can try to find a person on the Internet using their photos or name. There are tools that allow you to search for photos. If someone uses another person’s photos, you can easily spot it.
Trust your instincts: If something seems wrong, it most likely is. If you have a bad feeling about a person, don’t hesitate to end the conversation. It is better to be cautious than to regret it later.
Inform about suspicious profiles: If you notice something suspicious, report it to the portal administrators. Your report may help other people avoid scammers.
