Romance Scams

[perry]

As many of you know I recently started looking for a new person in my life. 2 weeks ago I registrered with an internet dating site. Since then I have be deluged with responses. In almost all cases (95%+) these have turned out to be scammers targeting me. Now I have not lost any money and have cut them off - but I thought I should let you know about it.

I turnes out that "Romance Scam" is very common, with lots of information available if you search the net; and targets gals just as much as guys. Nigeria and Russia are the common sources (but not the only ones).

Here is a link with good information: www.scamfreedating.com/index.htm

What is more interesting is this site that shows the most common pictures that the scammers "steel" and use (scammers do not use their own pictures).

www.romancescam.com/album/ (the names listed in the pictures are the real names of the people who''s picture it is)

I identified 4 pictures on this site as the pictures used by some of the scammers who contacted me (although with different names).

I am not out any money - but I am out a lot of time.

Just thought you folks would like to know.

And if you know anyone who is interested.... contact Irena @ pricescope and ask if she would send a message to me (I''m fairly sure that she will).

I have changed my current bio to read:

Male 48

Headline

With a little help from a friend...

Description

Where is life taking you? Is it where you would like to go? I''d like to find a partner in life who is interested in building a great future together. Someone who can see that there is more to life than just working at some job. I will never claim that I am some typical guy. After all these years and the paths I''ve tread.... I can still dream of a great future - of a great life. I''d like to find a gal with a sense of self worth, values, and independence - who understands that two working together can achieve far more than each of us working alone. We are each unique, and I''m not looking to crush your uniqueness. Instead, I believe that two unique people can do things that they want to do - and support each other in common goals - and achieve things in life. Don''t know about you - but, I''d sure love to spend many years with a great friend just doing whatever it is we want to do. That is possible. There are so many experiences that are meant to be shared. Yes, watching a sunrise from a mountain top is beautiful. Sharing the experience with someone makes it far more meaningful. Do you want just a date - or do you want a life? I''m looking for someone who wants to live...

Note to Scammers - I do not send any money to anyone that I have not met in person. I am not looking for someone much younger to marry. For those wondering - I have been targeted by scammers. Research romance scam on the net for details and for your protection.

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Hope this helps some of you or your freinds...

Perry

 

[cinnabar]

Date: 2/18/2006 6:58:51 PM
Author:perry

Here is a link with good information: www.scamfreedating.com/index.htm

Perry, I''m sorry to hear you''re being targetted by these weasels. As you say, it''s a waste of your time even if you aren''t out any money.

I think the "how to spot and avoid romance scams" advice is pretty good, but I don''t like number 5:

"Ask for the person''s home address (not a P.O. box) and mail this person a card. However, do NOT tell him/her that you mailed them something. Then ask if he/she liked the gift you sent her. If the person is a con artist and gave you a fake address, he/she will not receive your gift and therefore, not know what you gave to him/her."

I wouldn''t give my home address out to someone I met on the internet unless I was really, really sure they were legit. Probably not even until we''d met in person several times. I''d be suspicious of anyone who asked for my address, in case they were a stalker or burglar or even mad axe murderer. Likewise I don''t give my phone number to people I hardly know, but that doesn''t make me a scammer. If a new internet dating friend insisted on calling me at work, I''d not be happy about that either. I''m pretty private about my personal info, so these anti-scam tactics would have me running in the opposite direction from anyone who tried them on me.

It''s really important to make sure that your potential dates aren''t con artists, and I do see what they''re trying to do as a way of weeding out the fakes, but I''d be scared off by any man who insisted on getting my private contact details early on in the e-relationship.

I suppose I should add that I met my own husband online, so I''m a big fan of the internet when it comes to romance. I know that it can and does work out in a "happy ever after" sometimes.

 

[perry]

Cinnabar:

I interpreted some of that advice as items for after you have advanced in the internet relationship. By that time some of it should be doable.

Afterall - how do you know they are legit?

I have run into other people who gave out fake employers and addresses (in things not related to dating). When you get far enough into it - employers, addresses, and phone numbers do get exchanged.

Thus, I think it is good advice - just not something at the start of the "relationship"

In my case I have no problem transitioning to one of my normal email addresses.

Perry