This is a sensitive subject for most, because it’s human nature to stand up for the one you love. But the world can be a difficult place and scams can unfortunately happen. The following are warning signs to look out for.
Warning signs That You’re Being Scammed For Money
#1. There always seems to be a financial need that pops up
The person always has an urgent financial need and expects you to solve it. Be especially wary if you’re asked to send money via Western Union. Be very wary if the name they’re asking you to send it to is something other than their own.
#2. Money is at the forefront of your conversations
They ask about things like your income and assets very early on. They always tend to talk about money like it’s the only thing that matters. They don’t show much interest in you as a person, or when they do it feels fake. Their mood changes for the worst when you change the subject from money.
#3. Excuses keep delaying meeting in person or on Skype
There’s always an excuse for why they cannot Skype you or meet you in person. The stories could be elaborate, but the truth is, they don’t want you to see that the pictures they’ve sent you are not of them, and of someone they stole from online.
#4. They send you love letters they claim they wrote
One common practice of these scams is to plagiarize love letters and convince you that they’re head over heels for you. The scam is to flatter you to the point of vulnerability, then go in for the strike. Take a sentence from the love letter, go to Google and search for it with quotation marks around the phrase. This will show you every other instance this ‘love letter’ was used.
#5. They try to get your personal info
Be very wary of anyone digging into matters of your life that scammers would love to be in to. One scam is to find out personal, revealing secrets about you, then extort you for money later on. Red Flags That You’re Being Used For a Green Card
#6. They are pushy about marriage early on
This isn’t necessarily a tell-tale sign, but if you are moving at a pace you’re not comfortable with, it could be. Nobody should be pressured into something as important as marriage.
#7. They know an awful lot about US immigration
If the person truly is in the relationship for you, the immigration process is merely a background detail. Sure, it’s a major detail, and some interest is to be expected. But if you start talking about the form I-130 or affidavit of support by your second Skype date, you may want to do a double-take \.
#8. They show no interest in you as a person or your family
If the level of attraction and interest is lopsided in your favor, or they seem to avoid meaningful time or conversations, it could be a red flag. If they get moody when you want to be with them, or want them to spend time with your family, take that into account.
