Looking online for love? Be careful. After meeting suitors on Match. When online dating descends into a big fat con, the emotional and financial wallop can be devastating, and older Americans are among those who have paid the price. The 21st century Svengali hid behind an attractive photo and said he was a year-old native of Copenhagen, Denmark, educated in the U.
She never met the pseudo-suitor in person.
The "F-word"
The FBI warned on Sept. Most often scammers first contacted victims through dating apps and social media sites, which the warning did not identify by name. Privacy Dating. It was Trent Shores, then-U. He spoke in announcing an indictment against seven men, most Nigerian citizens living in the U. Some of the money was from retirement nest eggs, authorities said. In that case, three victims — all in their 50s and 60s — first met the bad actors on Match.
All were fed bogus stories to coerce them to send money, authorities said. Criminal cases from coast to coast reflect the horror stories behind that statistic. One victim met a man on Match. Similar scams in which Match. Reports of victims who gave away funds — or click to see more information — stood at inan average of 55 reports a month.
According to the FBI, con artists prowl most all dating and social media sites. The bureau makes two key points:.
"Entitled to immunity"
Previously she was a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, U. The company also declined to answer emailed questions for this story. The Dallas-based Match Group match.com several scams sites including Match.
The company boasts dating sites in more 40 languages for users around the world. It says it reviews member profiles to block internet protocol IP addresses from high-alert countries, to identify stolen credit-card numbers and to detect suspicious language in scams. Already a Member? FTC Sues Match. See Sense. speed dating houston over 40 are. On Match.
Match Group CEO has ‘empathy’ for victims of dating app scams, but says ‘things happen in life’
Criminals prowl dating site to rip off people for big bucks. Facebook Twitter Dating. Katherine Skiba. Published September 17, Members only. See All Newsletters. Deep in grief. Trent Shores, as U. He is now in private practice.
Criminals prowl dating site to rip off people for big bucks
Courtesy Department of Justice. Is Match. How many times this year has Match. How match.com this year has it removed see more accounts? More on money. Benefits Recommended For You.