(Dating Sites, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp & Other Apps)

Online relationships and social media connections have become a normal part of everyday life. Unfortunately, scammers are using these platforms more than ever to target people looking for friendship, romance, or business opportunities.

Many victims say the same thing afterward: “I didn’t realize it was a scam until it was too late.”

If someone you met online is asking for money, there are several warning signs you should watch for.

1. They Never Meet You in Person

One of the biggest red flags is when someone refuses to meet in person.

Scammers often claim they are:

• Working overseas

• On a military deployment

• An engineer working on an oil rig

• Traveling internationally for work

They will often promise they plan to visit soon, but something always comes up at the last minute.

Another common excuse scammers use is claiming that a parent or close family member suddenly became sick overseas, preventing them from traveling. They may say they need to stay where they are to care for their family member or deal with a medical emergency. These stories are designed to gain sympathy and keep the relationship going without ever meeting face-to-face.

If months go by and you still have not met them in person, it is a very strong warning sign that the person may not be who they claim to be.

2. They Avoid Video Calls or Facebook Live

Another common tactic is avoiding live video.

They may say:

• Their camera is broken

• Their job does not allow video calls

• Their internet connection is poor

Scammers prefer text messages and chat apps because it prevents you from seeing who they really are.

If someone consistently refuses to video chat, FaceTime, or appear on Facebook Live, you should be cautious.

3. They Ask You to Move the Conversation to WhatsApp or Another App

Many scammers will start conversations on Facebook, Instagram, or dating apps, but quickly ask you to switch to another messaging platform such as:

• WhatsApp

• Telegram

• Signal

• Text messaging

They do this because these apps are harder to monitor and easier for scammers to disappear from.

4. They Ask for Money

Eventually, the conversation almost always leads to a request for money.

Common stories include:

• Emergency medical expenses

• Travel expenses to come visit you

• Business investments

• Unexpected legal problems

• Family emergencies

Scammers often create urgent situations to pressure people into sending money quickly.

5. They Say Their Money Is “Tied Up” in a Trust or Investment

This is one of the most common scam stories used today.

The scammer may claim:

• Their money is tied up in a trust fund

• Their bank account is temporarily frozen

• Their assets are tied up in an inheritance or estate

• They are waiting on a large payment or business contract

They promise that once the money clears, they will pay you back immediately.

In reality, the money never comes.

6. They Ask for Gift Cards or Bitcoin

A major warning sign is when someone asks you to send money using methods that are difficult to trace.

Scammers often request payment through:

• Apple gift cards

• Google Play cards

• Steam cards

• Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency

• Prepaid debit cards

These payment methods make it extremely difficult to recover money once it has been sent.

7. Their Profile Looks Too Good to Be True

Many scammers use stolen photos of attractive people or professionals such as:

• Doctors

• Engineers

• Military officers

• Business executives

Warning signs of a fake profile include:

• Recently created social media accounts

• Very few personal posts

• Limited friends or followers

• Professional-looking photos that appear staged

Often these photos belong to real people whose identities have been stolen.

8. They Fall in Love Very Quickly

Scammers often try to build emotional connections quickly.

Within a short time they may say things like:

• “I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

• “I want to marry you.”

• “You are my soulmate.”

This tactic is used to create an emotional bond before the scammer begins asking for money.

9. They Tell You Not to Tell Anyone

Another warning sign is when the person tells you not to talk about the relationship or money requests with family or friends.

They may say things like:

• “People won’t understand our relationship.”

• “Others are jealous of what we have.”

• “Please keep this between us.”

This is a common tactic used to prevent others from warning you about the scam.

10. Their Story Keeps Changing

Over time, scammers often make mistakes or change their stories.

You may notice:

• Different locations mentioned

• Different jobs described

• Inconsistent timelines

• Poor grammar or unusual language

These inconsistencies are often signs that the person is not who they claim to be.

What To Do If You Think You Are Being

Scammed

If you believe someone may be attempting to scam you:

• Stop sending money immediately

• Do not provide personal information

• Save screenshots of messages and profiles

• Report the account to the platform where you met them

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member before taking any action

Many victims feel embarrassed, but these scams are extremely common and happen to thousands of people every year.

Protect Yourself Online

The internet makes it easy to meet new people, but it also makes it easier for scammers to hide their true identities.

Remember this simple rule:

If someone you have never met in person asks you for money, it is very likely a scam.

Need Help Verifying Someone?

If you believe someone online may not be who they claim to be, a professional investigator may be able to help verify identities, review online profiles, and uncover important information.

Eye Spy Private Eye provides professional investigative services throughout Oklahoma.

Contact us today if you need assistance uncovering the truth.