Romance scams are still plaguing dating app users – but scientists think there’s a way to tell if someone is more likely to fall into this dark identity.
There are apparently clear signals someone could be a liar, and there’s usually ‘stages’ in the way a fraudster works.
Dr Lynsay Shepherd, behind the new research published in arXiv, told Tech Xplore: ‘Romance fraud continues to be a growing problem, and research in this space is important to reduce victimization.
‘Researchers, online dating sites and law enforcement need to work together to solve the problems related to romance scams.’
Her research set out to find how romantic fraud commonly takes place.
The team behind the study found scammers usually come off as hopeless romantics.
They use tactics such as flattery and pet names to emotionally manipulate people into thinking the relationship is genuine and meaningful.
For those who’ve not experienced this before, this level of romance might seem exciting and special.
On top of this, it was found that common traits on scammer profiles include speaking of fake past ‘tragedies’ such as being widowed, boasting of a military affiliation or calling themselves ‘God-fearing’.
The idea is they want to appear endearing to others.
Victims are usually well-educated, single women aged between 35 and 54 years old.
They also might be impulsive in personality, looking to date abroad, and lack computer skills.
The scammer will generally start the conversation, and quickly progress it to becoming a virtual ‘relationship’.
After the victim is ‘hooked’, that’s when money will be asked for – often using ’emotional and visceral language’.
By which point, the victim is invested in the person and more likely to feel a false sense of trust – and more likely to hand over money.
The report recommended systems should be introduced to highlight linguistic patterns commonly seen with scammers, to help victims get out of the conversation before it’s too late.
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