How to spot a scam profile and stay safe dating online
More and more celebrities have been turning to dating apps, swiping either left or right, to flirt, try to find love, to seek out no-strings hook-ups, or as publicity stunts. Many have shared their online dating woes, anecdotes and successes; making us mere mortals realize that celebrities face the same dating challenges as the rest of us. The only difference is that their dating success and failures are usually hunted by paparazzi.
So, what celebs have admitted to or been alleged in media reports to have turned to their computers or phones to explore the world of online dating?
Adele – in media accounts, the singer allegedly turned to an online dating site years ago, following a break-up.
Halle Berry – before getting married, reportedly had spent time visiting some dating specific online chat room.
Hannibal Burress – the Broad City star reported in an interview that he had used a dating app a few years ago.
Andy Cohen – the former Bravo executive and host of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen has admitted to using a dating app in a media interview.
Dane Cook – the comedian admitted in an interview that he used a dating app.
Rivers Cuomo – the Weezer frontman is allegedly quoted as having signed up for a dating site.
Hilary Duff – has admitted in multiple interviews, to having swiped left and right on a dating app following the end of her marriage to hockey player Mike Comrie.
Adam Duritz – the Counting Crows frontman admitted, several years ago, in an interview that he had signed up for an app.
Zac Efron – the actor, after breaking up with girlfriend Sami Miro, stated in an interview that he had downloaded some dating apps but that nobody had swiped him.
Ben Flajnik – the former Bachelor met his girlfriend, Stephanie Winn, on a dating app.
Luke Greenfield – the director of The Girl Next Door allegedly signed up and created a profile on a dating site.
Rob Gronkowski – the Patriots player stated in an interview that no one believed his dating app profile was really him.
Erin Heatherton – the supermodel even teamed up with a dating app to star in one of their campaigns.
Carrie Ann Inaba – the Dancing With the Stars judge reportedly met her ex-fiance on a dating site.
Joshua Jackson – a source told a media outlet that the former Dawson’s Creek had turned to using dating apps.
Joe Jonas – multiple media outlets have confirmed seeing the Jonas Brother’s profile on an exclusive dating app.
Khloe Kardashian – following her break-up with NBA star James Harden, Kardashian posted on her website that she had set up a profile on an online dating site.
Kourtney Kardashian – sister Kylie used a Snap story to detail setting up a profile for Kourtney.
Ryan Lochte – confirmed in multiple interviews that he was swiping using a dating app.
Lindsay Lohan – took to Instagram several years ago to post a screenshot of finding her brother’s profile on a dating app.
Kelly Osbourne – had her app profile leaked on Instagram.
Ronda Rousey – according to an interview, the MMA fighter created an alter ego named “Brynn Campbell” in order to swipe on a dating app.
Amy Schumer – it’s no secret that the comedian met her beau Ben Hanisch on a dating app.
Eric Stonestreet – the Modern Family actor praised his use of a dating app in an interview.
Debra Ann Woll – the True Blood actress met boyfriend E. J. Scott on a dating site.
So, how do we know if a profile is real or a scam? And, how do we stay safe in the world of app and online dating?
The dating app Jaumo, which has 120 million users in 180 countries, has a robust anti-fraud system that spots and disables fraudulent profile. Jaumo also had an informative section on their website that provides online dating safety tips and information on how to spot scammers and fraudsters.
Here are some tips:
Spotting Fakes
A fake is a profile with phony data. Some people only make a few false statements in their profile. Others upload stolen photos or even show up as a completely different person.
Spotting Scammers
Scammers are swindlers who make commitments or promises of love with the intention of getting money. They often come from abroad. A common variant is to ask for money for a plane flight or a sudden emergency.
Spammers
Try to lure people to other websites or apps. They promise closer contact, more pictures, an adult webcam session, etc. with the aim of following an allegedly better or safer offer.
Typical Scammer Profiles
Many scammers appear as soldiers, engineers, oil contractors, architects or doctors. They display stolen photos mostly as an attractive white person. Common male names are John, Richard, Robert or Thomas.
Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses
Exuberant love stories? Photos showing an attractive man or woman with a story sounding too beautiful to be true? Things moving very quickly? First message arriving before you’ve uploaded a photo? Be suspicious.
Strange Language in Conversations
Examples of language and wording frequently used by scammers:
I am…
a God fearing man/woman
looking for an honest woman/man
looking for a serious woman/man
a sincere man/woman
so much blessed to have you in my life
Excuses For Not Meeting
Does “Romeo” or “Juliette” always find new reasons why he or she can’t meet or always canceling dates with short notice? Be suspicious.
How To Protect Yourself
Dating Safety Tips
- Stay anonymous as long as possible and don’t be pushed to where you don’t feel comfortable. Don’t share information that you’d rather keep private.
- Don’t give out phone numbers or contact information (Skype, e-mail or home address, workplace) to someone you don’t know. Communicate within the app.
- Never send money. Especially not to someone you’ve recently met.
- Unsure? Report the profile.
Can I Still Trust?
Not every request is from a fraudster. Too much mistrust can prevent you from falling in love, and pessimistic people usually look less attractive.
Personal Information
Never give personal information. This includes passwords, home address, workplace, phone number, instant messenger details, credit card numbers, bank information, passport, etc.
Profile
Do not share identifying info in your profile like your full name or workplace. Don’t upload photos with your children.
Chats
Use caution and trust your instincts. Don’t give your life story the first time you chat. Use block functions if you don’t want to have future contact. Report all suspicious behavior.
Finance
Requests for money should be a red flag. There’s no reason for anyone to ask you for money or your financial information, whatever emergency or sad story they give. Stop all contact immediately and report the profile.
First date
- Take your time before dating offline. Get to know the person better first.
- Meet in a public place. When you meet in a bar or a restaurant, there are enough witnesses if something goes wrong. Never meet someone at home on the first date or invite them home until you know them better.
- Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting place.
- Tell a friend or family member about your date including details about where you’re meeting, whom the person you’re meeting is and how long you want to stay. Provide information about the individual like a name and phone number. Take your fully charged mobile and arrange a check-up phone call or text with your friend.
- Stay in control. Stay sober. Don’t drink too much and keep your drink and all your belongings nearby at all times.