Dating Scammers: How To Spot Them And What To Do

Online dating is a safe and happy way to meet people, as long as you keep your wits about you. Sadly, scammers know that many older South Africans are kind, trusting and have a pension put by, and that is exactly why they target us. At Singles Over 80 we take fraud very seriously and work hard to keep these skelms off the site, but your own good sense is the best protection of all.

What Is A Dating Scammer?

A dating scammer pretends to want a relationship when really they are after your money. It is a crime, and the people behind it are often organised and very patient.

How To Spot A Dating Scammer

Language and grammar
Does the way they write match where they say they are from? Someone who says they farmed in the Free State should not write like a badly translated instruction leaflet. Watch for odd phrases such as "Hello my dear" or "I am George by name".

Moving too fast
Talk of soulmates after a handful of messages? Real people take their time. Scammers rush, because the sooner you are fond of them, the sooner they can ask for money.

Requests for money
Never send money, vouchers, airtime or cryptocurrency to someone you met online, however sad the story. Common tales include a plane ticket to visit you, a hospital bill, customs fees on a parcel or an inheritance stuck overseas. Never share your banking details, PIN or OTP with anyone.

Profiles that do not add up
Be wary of profiles that say they work overseas, on an oil rig, in the military or for a charity, or that say almost nothing at all. If the photo looks like it came from a magazine, it probably did.

Trust Your Instincts

If something does not feel right, it usually is not. Talk it over with family or a trusted friend before you do anything.

Protect Your Privacy

Be careful if someone you have only just met wants to move the chat to WhatsApp, email or the phone straight away. Scammers do this to get away from our moderators. Keep chatting on the site until you feel comfortable.

How Do I Report A Suspected Scammer?

If a member does not seem to be who they claim, click the round button at the top right of their profile photo , select "Block User", then select "I Think It's A Fake Or Spam Profile" and follow the prompts on screen. A member of our team will look into it, and the person you reported will never know it was you. Once blocked, they will not be able to see your profile either.

If you think you have been scammed, phone your bank immediately so they can try to stop any payments, then report it at your local SAPS police station. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has helpful safety advice here: https://www.sabric.co.za/how-to-stay-safe/.

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