35｜The Red Flags of Dating App Scammers: Protect Yourself Now (Part 1)

13/09/202420/12/2024

The Scammers I Encountered

In this article, I’ll be sharing my experiences with scammers I’ve encountered while using dating apps.

I don’t want anyone to fall victim to these schemes, so I’ll explain what kind of people are likely scammers.

Lately, I’ve noticed some common traits among scammers on dating apps.

As soon as you start communicating, they quickly make an aggressive move, saying things like, “I told my mother about you.”

This is a typical tactic to build trust. Be careful.

This approach was used by three scammers I recently spoke with.

When someone tells you that they’ve already talked about you with their parents, it can make you feel like you need to take the relationship seriously.

Be cautious if someone says they’ve told their mom about you right after meeting.

While scammers often target men, there are scammers who target women as well, so don’t let your guard down.

Spot the Pattern! Scammers Using Same Name and Nationality Tactics

Two of the people I spoke to had the same name, were from the same country, and lived similar lives. It seemed like they were working from a scam manual.

Another scammer I encountered had a different situation but was from a large country that starts with “R,” located next to Japan. They had the same nationality as the other two, so I suspect they were part of an organized scam group.

Please don’t misunderstand—I’m not saying that everyone from this country is bad.

I just want to warn you because there has been an increase in scammers from that country recently.

Apps to Watch Out For

Also, be careful of scammers using Telegram.

Since Telegram allows messages to be set to auto-delete, it’s convenient for scammers. Scammers often use Telegram for this reason.

Telegram is also frequently used in Japan for illegal activities, so be cautious of that as well.

It’s unfortunate that an app created to protect free speech is being exploited by scammers.

The Tricks of Scammers I’ve Encountered

The scammers I spoke to tried to get me to pay for their plane tickets to Japan, so never agree to pay for anything.

They’re in a rush to make plans to meet, throwing out various reasons to push the meeting forward.

They’ll give you plenty of reasons, so be careful.

They’ll try to pressure you and reduce your ability to think clearly.

What’s shocking is that the scammers I spoke with would video call me, and the person I saw on the video was the same as in the photos and videos they had sent. This can be tricky, so don’t be fooled.

Just because the person in the video matches the photos or videos doesn’t mean you can trust them.

Recently, there have been reports of scammers using AI technology to conduct real-time video calls.

They can alter their appearance to look like a different person and instantly change their voice from male to female, making it necessary to be cautious.

Even during video calls, take care to verify whether the person is genuinely who they claim to be.

I’d feel sad if anyone got scammed, so please make sure to protect yourself.

Signs They’re a Scammer

The relationship moves unnaturally fast from the start.
They say things like, “I don’t use this app much, so let’s talk on another messaging app.”
Within a few days or weeks of meeting, they claim to have told their parents about you.
They send a lot of pictures and videos with little meaningful conversation.
Pay attention to inconsistencies, like dates on pictures or anything that feels unnatural. If something feels suspicious, check the details.
They want to progress quickly, avoiding long conversations.
The way they tell their story feels forced or unnatural.
They try to make you pay for things like flight tickets.