Online Dating Sites Refuse to Protect You From Scammers or Predators

It’s right there in the name. It’s not ‘Great Cupid’ or even ‘Good Cupid’. It’s OK Cupid.

Helen Hong, Comedienne

Let’s get real; online dating sites are in it for the money, whether they’re paid or free sites. And, they can be monetized in a multitude of ways including:

• Paid Memberships

• Premium Content or Add-On Features

• Advertising

• Affiliate Networks

• Live Events

The bottom line is that they’re all looking to make as much money as possible. And in order to make as much money as possible they have to show value. How do they show value? By the number of registered members of course! Remember, social media is just a numbers game and the one who has the most, wins. Online dating sites need to boast as many registered members as possible to attract new members, advertising dollars and the like. So even if they know that members are scammers or predators, it’s not in their best interests to delete their profiles from the site because that reduces their numbers which makes them less attractive to new members and advertising dollars.

The easiest way to identify scammers and online predators is to drag and drop their photos into Google Image Search. In fact I do that with anyone that contacts me on an online dating site, whether or not my alarm bells have gone off. And I have identified SEVERAL scammers and online predators who were either impersonating someone or using someone else’s photo. On every occasion that I identified one of these creeps, I reported them to the online dating sites and provided iron clad evidence - the URL to the person they were impersonating or to the location of where they absconded with the photo. NOT ONCE were any of these scammers or predators booted off the sites. Online dating sites don’t care about you or your safety; they only care about the money you can generate for them.

The moral of the story is that you have to look out for yourself. Be diligent and always do a Google Image Search. It’s free, easy to do and can save you a lot of grief.

Today, if you own a smartphone, you’re carrying a 24-7 singles bar in your pocket.

Aziz Ansari, Actor

Make someone smile today.

Geri

Online Predators Are Trolling For You!

Online dating is just as murky and full of lemons as finding a used car in the classifieds. Once you learn the lingo, it's easier to spot the models with high mileage and no warranty.

LAURIE PERRY

You probably watch Dr. Phil and see women whose lives have been ruined by online dating predators. And, I’m sure that you think that it can’t happen to you; but it can happen to anyone. Online predators are out there on every dating website, and they’re trolling for you.

Just yesterday I got a message from an online predator. They’re usually pretty easy to identify and this one was no exception. English is supposed to be their first and only language, yet their profile and messages are clearly not written by a native English speaker. Below is the profile of the online predator that contacted me. Read the highlighted portions out loud and you’ll see what I mean.

Predator’s online dating profile:

I am positive, romantic, sensual and affectionate. I love my life so much! I like active life. I am loving, caring, reliable, funny, playful and very romantic. I like being playful and enjoy the moments life offers. I am really open person and always ready to help people who need me! I try to be always in a good mood. To tell the truth I like everything beautiful - nature, poetry, beautiful paintings! I dream to be a tender flower in hands of my beloved. I am intelligent, clever and well-mannered person. I am open to new people in my life and very communicative. A lot of women are really materialistic so I understand how difficult it might be for men to find a good woman.I would better support and love my partner! I really adore traveling and would be happy to visit many beautiful places together and have many romantic evenings! I am a romantic and a dreamy person. I like sitting somewhere near the sea and enjoying a really amazing landscape! I am a good friend and a good listener so you may not hesitate and write me because I am the one you need. For me the most important thing in life is love. I want to love and to be loved. I think love should be mutual and I hope to find my love here!

Most online predators are widowers and this one was no different. However, the most damning piece of evidence was his blatant identity theft. He used a photo that wasn’t his. How did I know that? You can search images on Google (Go to Google images and drag and drop the image into the search bar). I did an image search and found that the photo that he posted belonged to a British soldier at his Millie Award ceremony in 2012.

Below is the message that he sent me.

Hi gorgeous how're you doing out there ? I just had a look at your profile so i thought of sending you a message. I'm a widower and in the Canadian Army for 28 years.I'm currently stationed in Iraq where we are undergoing a secret mission.I've been here for 3 good years and will be coming home for good by the end of February 2016. When i come home i live around Ajax Ontario but i don't mind relocating or meeting you anywhere i can if the chemistry works out properly. I have one lovely daughter and two adorable grand children..Have a nice day and will be looking forward to read a message from you soon.Warn regards. Bryan

This is too ridiculous for words. Can you imagine a Canadian soldier on a secret mission in Iraq sending a message to anonymous person on an online dating site, telling them that he’s on a secret mission?

Beware of online predators. Always do a Google image search and pay attention to how the profile and messages are written. It's better to be safe than sorry. Good luck and happy dating!

So his profile said Thai, Indian and Chinese. He wanted a mail order bride, not dinner.

Tokki.com

Make someone smile.

Geri