How to Protect Yourself from Online Dating Scams

Online dating is a great way to meet other singles. Unfortunately, some people use these sites as a way to take advantage of people. Recently, a widow was swindled out of her life savings by a man on a dating site posing as an Iraq war veteran.

It's important to remember that most online daters are looking for love, even though these scams do happen from time to time. Instead of being fearful that everyone you meet online could potentially harm you - and refusing to use dating sites altogether - know how to be proactive in protecting yourself. There are a few simple warning signs to know if you're dealing with someone who's trying to scam you. Pay attention to these and you'll have a good experience online.

He shows affection, but it's too much, too soon. Many scammers play on people's vulnerabilities. If he knows you're looking for love, that's what he says he'll give you. If he is declaring his affection before you've even met, or before you've exchanged half a dozen emails, be weary. It's likely he's manipulating you.

He has a tragedy he wants to share with you. Many scammers share a contrived hardship with their victims in order to emotionally connect - whether it's losing a house, job, spouse, or whatever. They ask for sympathy, which down the line may turn into asking for money or other things of value to you. Be careful of anyone who tries to gain your sympathy - it's just another form of manipulation.

He puts off meeting you. If he lives in another country, or work has gotten too busy, or other obligations are preventing him from meeting you in person, this is a giant red flag. Likely he's buying time and doesn't have any intention of meeting you at all.

He asks for money. This should be a giveaway, but some online daters become emotionally attached and start doing things that normally they wouldn't. Scammers may email regularly and shower you with compliments and tales of woe, but please don't mistake this for knowing who they really are. If any of your dates ask for money, run the other way.

He seems too good to be true. We all have intuition, but sometimes we don't want to pay attention to that little voice inside saying, "this person isn't good for you" or "he's not who he says he is." If you've convinced yourself that your love interest is different, think again. If he seems too good to be true, he probably is.