DatingSpot24.net

We test dating websites

Easy tips to fight a rip off

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Tips to protect yourself against rip-offs

Tips to protect yourself against rip offs

The internet can be a risky place if you don’t know your way around. Scammers are not easy to recognize and a rip off can be realised too late. A lot of money can be lost this way. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to spot a scam and fight it before it’s too late. If you’ve been a victim to a dating site rip off, you should definitely do something. There are ways to defend yourself accordingly. After all, you want to get your money back if possible. That would be the best and fairest solution – but that’s not always easy. Either way, hopefully you won’t lose more money.

How can you get your money back?

Follow our tips and don’t let them get away with ripping you off!

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Subscription rip-off

  1. If you’ve fallen for a subscription trap which can happen easily, it’s important that you cancel the subscription immediately. Get in contact with the operator directly by e-mail. It’s important to act quickly as some operators may not be helpful if you delay.. You’ll then have to write a letter cancelling the subscription. Make sure you keep records of the notifications you have sent them. Consider getting a lawyer if you need to.
  2. If the operator has referred you to collection agency already, stay calm. Rip off operators will try to intimidate customers to get their money. But as a rule, the operators never go to court because they don’t have a legally valid contract. If you’ve received collections letters, which can happen even if you never bought credit or signed up for a subscription, just act in the same way as the operators and do nothing at all.

If you do receive other official letters or a dunning notice, get some advice on the best steps to take.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Fake chat and subscription rip-off

Credit card / direct debit

If you believe you’ve been ripped off, or lost money on an online dating site, inform your bank immediately. Let them know the transactions were not authorised and they should help return your money.

If you paid your membership or bought credits with your credit card you have some more time to dispute a transaction. The legal period runs for eight weeks. After this time, it depends on the goodwill of your card provider. If your payment was made by direct debit, it is also possible to charge back within a period of eight weeks. In the case of an unapproved and unauthorised debit, it’s possible to have the amount reversed within 13 months. So there is time to act but it is important that you do something as soon as you recognize the scam.

PayPal

Many people pay with the service of PayPal because it works quickly and easily. If a debit was made via PayPal you should write a complaint to the customer service team immediately. The great thing about PayPal is that the customer support team is helpful and respond quickly. With PayPal you have the chance to reclaim your money retroactively for up to three months after. If you made your payment by credit card, even up to six months after.

In most cases, your money will be refunded because the dating rip off operators don’t want any trouble. They also need the services of PayPal which is an advantage for you. PayPal is known to freeze accounts until the dispute is resolved.

Skrill, MicroPayment, Klarna, Instant, etc.

Fake chat and subscription rip off

If the payment was made via one of the mentioned service providers you have to inform your provider about fraud immediately. Most payment service providers give you the chance to do that retroactively. The period of time you have to do this varies from provider to provider. You will find this information in the terms and conditions of the service provider or in the FAQ’s. You can also contact the respective customer service department to get information on disputing a transaction.

Dating rip off operators don’t want any trouble with a payment service provider like PayPal. They need to avoid problems with these providers as their accounts could be blocked or frozen for a long time.

It’s very important to make a complaint immediately if you spot a scam. The faster complaints are made, the faster the rip off operator’s accounts will be closed. That means that the operator may lose a lot of money.

We check many dating portals

We can only advise you to always read the terms and conditions of a dating portal thoroughly. If the operator is located abroad and/or the imprint and the terms and conditions are displayed as a graphic, you should rethink the registration.

Either way, you can always ask us and inform us about any rip off sites you’ve come across. Only then are we able to to check the website. We would then write a corresponding test report to warn others of a dating rip off.

We check and test many dating portals and have a list of trustworthy and recommended dating websites. If you check out and register with one of our test winners, you’ll have no concerns about getting ripped off. You can fully trust our recommended test winning sites.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

How do I recognise a fake chat rip off?

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

How can you recognise a fake chat rip-off?

What’s a fake chat? Pretty much as the name suggests. Usually you create an account on a dating portal to meet someone with the goal to meet them in real life or fall in love. You chat a little first, get to know each other and see what could blossom from it.

Many operators take advantage of this and use so-called “professional animators” or chat bots. Their job is to encourage users to send as many messages as possible. The operator earns money with every message that is sent. A real meeting will never happen as the chat partner will find new excuses again and again.

It can be risky and expensive as well. Here we tell you how to recognise a fake chat scam and save yourself the hassle, time and money.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

1. Use the search function of DatingSpot24.net

We’ve listed almost all operators and many of their scams on our dating portals in our database. We take a good look at each website and make a judgement based on facts. If the website is a good one and passes our strict criteria, we mark it as reputable. If there is a dating website that uses fake profiles and professional animators we would make a negative review. We constantly add new reviews to our website as the rip off operator creates new dating portals on a daily basis. In our test reports you can easily find out if there is a threat of a rip off on the corresponding dating site.

2. Read the terms and condition either way

Every website must have terms and conditions. If you can’t find any, this is a first sign of a scam dating website. Anyone who runs a moderated chat must also indicate this in their terms and conditions. Fortunately most operators do mention fake profiles and a moderated chat, though the terms and conditions are often hidden or hard to find. Many times, the operator may show their terms and conditions as graphics. This makes it difficult to search for certain keywords which is a hint that the site may be a scam. If you can search for keywords you should take time to read the terms and conditions. This might save you a lot of unnecessary trouble and money.

Here are the keywords to look out for in the Terms and Conditions:
Here is an example from the terms and conditions of Festivus Media BV the operator of MilfFindr:

“Festivus Media BV explicitly reserves the right to create profiles on the Platform and to send messages to the User on behalf of these accounts. By accepting these Conditions of Use, the User understands and accepts that some of the profiles on the Platform are therefore fictitious and they have been created only to exchange Messages with; real-life meetings are not possible for such Accounts.”

3. The imprint, general terms and conditions are displayed as a graphic.

If the terms and conditions or the imprint are displayed as a graphic, pay attention and act very carefully. A graphic makes it impossible to search for certain keywords. It is a strong indicator that the operator is trying to hide something.

In any case you should read the terms and conditions very carefully – or refrain from registering with this provider.

4. The company headquarters is abroad.

Even though you should never judge a book by its cover, the location of the headquarters of a company that runs a dating website can be another hint. Check out the imprint and check the name of the company in a search machine. Locations like Malta, Cyprus and Kosovo are unusual places for dating websites in Australia. If such a location is displayed you should be cautious – especially if they have no locally based offices. A reputable provider should have it’s headquarters in Australia or at least have local contact details, an address or phone number in Australia.

5. Use a search engine

Use a search engine

If it is a scam website, chances are that someone has already been ripped off and may have left a review or comment online. Search for the name of the dating portal and for the name of its operator. If it is a black sheep, you’ll also find negative reviews or experience reports from damaged customers. Additionally, you can find articles and official test reviews from our website. If there are negative reviews, or  people have complained about a scam or professional animators: Keep your hands off that website!

6. Check out the costs and the value

A reputable website will display all important information, including a detailed costs break down. If you can’t find any information about the price per message or subscription costs, you should be very careful. If you do find details on the costs, have a think about what you will pay and what you will get in return. As yourself whether it really makes sense to pay a dollar or even more for every message you will send. A professional animator will try to entice you for a long conversation which is completely senseless. The only reason for the chat is to get your money. The more messages you write the more money the operator will earn.

7. Use the picture search of a search engine

Use the picture search of a search engine

A fake chat means that professional animators operate fake profiles. The profiles will show a fictitious person, but of course the profile pic must be of someone. This is a quick and simple way to check if the profile is real or a fake to try to scam you. Simply copy and paste a few pictures from the member’s area of the dating portal into a search engine like Google or Bing and you will see.

If the image search shows results that are related to an erotic website or to profiles from countries like Russia, then you have your answer. An image search of pictures from an Australian site should naturally bring up results from Australia. If they don’t, we advise you to use extreme caution.

Be very careful

Unfortunately you can’t always rely 100% on the image search.  We advise you to exercise caution either way. The operators are always one step ahead. Nowadays operators manipulate the pictures in their fake profiles, making an image search more difficult or even impossible.

So be very careful if one of these points applies. If two or more points of our list apply for a dating website you should really stay away from that platform. If you’re unsure but suspect a dating rip off you can also report this dating portal to us. We will then look into it and create an extensive test report.

To be 100% sure we recommend one of our test winners!

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The subscription rip off

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Don’t get ripped-off via a subscription trap

Rip off with a subscription trap

The World Wide Web makes many things much easier.  But as we know, it can also bring some risks, especially when it comes to private data and money. We already know that viruses, phishing and spam mails can create huge damage to your device and to your wallet. But subscription traps are a danger in general. Dating websites in particular may come with a high risk of a subscription rip-off.

Read on to find out how the operators such platforms conceal a scam and what consequences to expect. We’ll also explain the role of debt collection companies and lawyers that may work together with these dodgy operators. We’ll let you know what warning signs to spot to prevent a subscription rip off before it takes place.

Thousands of people in Australia get trapped in a subscription rip off

Firstly, we need to ask how the scam works and why so many people in Australia get trapped in a subscription rip-off?

People who use an online service, like a dating platform, for the first time are at greater risk. First timers often don’t know who to trust, or where to look. You may think you’ve found a reputable site, but being the internet, there’s a chance there is false information online. Some fallacies that may be true in real life, may not be the same on the Internet.

Things that may look amazing on a dating site, may be fake. A restaurant, for example, can testify to it’s quality or service with a high turnover of customers. But online, profiles and portals can be easily faked. This leads customers to the wrong conclusion that a high number of members is a clear quality seal for a good and secure platform.

Read the terms and conditions

Fake ratings and experiences have become a tiresome thing on the internet. Many apps, services and websites offer their users a bonus, like extra points for example, if they leave a positive review or a five star rating on a comparison portal. Dating websites often advertise a guarantee that all profiles are checked and you may fall for this. Only a small percentage of visitors to a website take the effort to check the small details. Most people don’t can’t be bothered to scroll down to the bottom and read the finer print or terms and conditions. But we recommend that you always do this on every site, but especially on dating sites.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Keywords to check

In general a scam website will try to attract customers with a free offer. One thing that works often is advertising a member’s area full of young, cute females. Costs, fees or subscriptions are not mentioned on the landing page and the transparency is leaking. Another way that scam dating sites mislead people is by having very long terms and conditions which are very hard to read. They can be difficult to read if the background is dark and the colour of the letters too. In other cases the terms and conditions may be displayed as an image. This makes it impossible for visitors to search for certain keywords. Important keywords to check for are: costs, subscriptions, fake profiles, fictitious person or a moderated chat.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Scammers are one step ahead

Many people fall for the positive arguments of a dating site and will register with them or create a profile. Operators of a platform that is out to rip you off may guarantee free registration and free basic membership, if you create a profile. It doesn’t take long to enter your details and to confirm your e-mail address. If you’re already at this point, the trap hasn’t fully closed yet, but it’s close. After registering and creating a profile, many customers are tempted to take up a subscription.

And so we come back to the first question of this article. Are online users careless or are the tricks of the scammer just that convincing? The latter is true. As a new user, you quickly get so many messages, that it’s tempting to fall for the scam.  The profile pictures of other members are blurred and messages can’t be sent. To be able to do this, the user needs a premium membership. The costs of this are pretty high, so many people hesitate. But the scammers are one step ahead.

The new user gets offered a cheaper membership with a shorter duration and lower costs than normal. The platforms offer a trial subscription, usually for a dollar or less. This sounds like a tempting offer, of course. Many users are dazzled by this and think nothing can go wrong. So they try their luck and buy a membership, usually for about two weeks. At this point the subscription trap snaps shut.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code][/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

The trial subscription will extend to a subscription for many months

A trial subscription for the premium membership is the usual trap of a rip off website. It usually runs for just 14 days. This seems like a good period of time to check out the website and its members.  However, 14 days is also the notice period you need to give to terminate your subscription.  Which means the customer has to cancel the trial subscription immediately after signing on. However, this only works for a few cases, as the pink slip for termination must usually be sent in writing by post.

What makes it more difficult is that the operators of such scam websites are often not based in Australia, but in the Netherlands or Switzerland. Even if your letter of cancellation arrives in time , they’re often not accepted or simply ignored. Even though dating website operators say that the subscription can be cancelled at any time on their websites and terms and conditions, it’s not actually that simple.

It’s likely that you may not be able to cancel the subscription in the given time, and if so, the trial subscription will continue for many months, and you will be charged each month. This can be between $30 and $50 a month. If you don’t pay your monthly subscription, you may start getting reminders and even collections notices in the mail. These come from debt collection agencies and sometimes even lawyers that work together with the scam operators.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

The trial subscription will extend to a subscription for many months

With every letter the costs are increase

Debt collection is a collection of due claims which can be made by serious debt collectors. However, there are still a large number of dubious lawyers and debt collection agencies that will take over the collection of money for scam companies. They write countless payment reminders to the customer. The costs increase with each letter, plus they’ll always mention the threat of further legal action.

Usually, it is the lack of knowledge of the legal system that results in the user paying. The lawyers and debt collectors will claim higher and higher costs and the customers will naturally fear these costs will continue to rise. Which leads to the victim paying up. This can seem very official as it arrives in the mail, from a law firm. This convinces the customer that they’re on the wrong side of the law.

The truth is that the scam dating site operators, debt collection agencies and lawyers may also operate in a grey area of the law. If you do receive a payment reminder, have a look into it first with a person you trust. In most cases lawyers may tire after a while as they’re not acting on a legal basis, and may move on to another victim.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

How to recognise a subscription rip-off

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Signs of a subscription rip-off on online dating platforms

How to recognise a subscription rip off

The internet brings with it many advantages, but also many risks. Online dating in particular can be risky as it’s easier to scam people online. And it’s not because users of such websites can’t recognize a scam, but because the scammers play with emotions and erotic content. These days we report rip offs on dating websites more and more often. There are now more than a thousand portals that are more about getting your money than finding you love.

But there is a solution. In the following article we explain how you can prevent a scam and recognize a rip off just in time.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

1. Check the website on DatingSpot24.net

We test dating websites on a daily basis. Plus we’ve tested a large number of websites already to get to this point. The first and easiest step to see if a dating website is a scam, is to check out our homepage. Use our search function to find a specific dating site. We have nearly all operators in our database and new reports are added on a regular basis.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

2. Double check with a search engine

We aren’t the only ones. There are heaps of portals on the World Wide Web where users and customers can share their experience of a service or a website. You can use Google, Bing or any other search engine to find details about a dating website and its operators. Portals that are described as black sheep, that have negative entries and experience reports are well-known, so you should find such information easily. There may also be reports by damaged customers. You can also find portals that can help in case of a rip-off via fake profiles or to help you escape a subscription trap.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

3. Take a good look at the terms and conditions

Take a good look at the terms and conditions

There may be a hint about a potential rip-off in the terms and conditions, even before you read them. If the imprint, general terms of the website, or terms and conditions are shown as a graphic and not as text, one should become a little sceptical.

Of course, this is just a hint and not evidence. However, until now all the websites we have checked that have the terms and conditions as a graphic had something to hide. The graphic makes it impossible to check the content for any keywords with the search function. This means you have to read it all, which can be quite a challenge. The operators have a few more tricks to conceal something in the terms and conditions. Some websites show the terms and conditions in a small extra window or write it with a blue colour on a darker background, which can be difficult to read.

This can already be an indication as to what kind of operator and dating portal it is. Checking the imprint and the location of the operator may give you another hint. A head office in a foreign country such as Hong Kong or Malta, for example, is a sign of a scam website. Another hint may be not having an Australian contact person or telephone number so that you’re able to contact someone locally in case you need to. If you’re about to register on a website that shows these signs, tread more cautiously.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

4. The price

A dating rip-off can also often be identified by the way it charges its customers. A clear sign for a subscription trap is a trial period or trial subscription. The price for this may vary from 99c to $1.99. The trap here is that if you don’t cancel the membership in time they will automatically extend it and keep charging you. This may set you back up to $70 a month. The terms and conditions promise that customers are able to cancel the subscription every three months when it runs out but the cancellation will not be considered at all.

Here’s an example, the company Together Networks Holdings Limited which is the operator of many subscription dating websites such as BeNaughty.com.

If you choose the 14 day test membership there is a small print at the very end of the webpage:

If you do not cancel your 14 day trial membership, it will automatically convert to our monthly subscription at the full price.

For the subscription that runs for three months, apply the following rule which is mentioned in small print at the bottom of the page:

To avoid possible interruptions the subscription you have selected will be automatically renewed at the original and not discounted price for the same duration.

The question is about the price point. Non-reputable dating websites won’t show any detail about the price until you register on the page and are about to pay. No exact overview of the pricing will be displayed in the terms and conditions, or in the general information on the landing page.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

5. Use a search engine again but this time for a picture check

 Use the a search engine again but this time for a picture check

If you’ve already registered with a dating portal and are unsure if the members are real or fake, simply copy the profile picture of your chat partner into the image search engine. You can use Google image search, Bing visual search or any other image search of an online search engine.

We also recommend that you check a few more profiles from the member’s area and copy them into an image search. If there are corresponding results related to pictures from the erotic industry, or to suspicious countries like Russia, you have a very strong indication of a rip-off. Members should have pictures that are related to search engine results that are from Australia and not another country.

Most of the pictures had been manipulated

Unfortunately, checking the credibility of a website this way, doesn’t always work 100 percent. Firstly, you should check more than one member, and check most of their images found on the profile. Some members may have lived in another country so the results may be related to another country. Why doesn’t the image check work perfectly? Because most of the pictures had been manipulated so the image search cannot clearly identify the image or the person.

These five points are the best known way to catch a rip-off dating website. If you’re on a website where one of these points applies, it’s not always a scam, but may be a dating site with a bad reputation. Which is also a good reason to try another dating site provider. If you find a dating site where all five points apply, the case is very clear. You have all the indications of a rip-off.

This is our check list for clear signs of rip-off dating sites. We will continue our work to continuously call out rip off methods of scammers and bring you tips and tricks on how to spot them and how to prevent the scam.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Fake chat

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

What is a Fake Chat scam?

What is a Fake Chat scam?

A fake chat is a well-known method in the online dating business with the aim of ripping customers off. Further to subscription traps and love scamming, like the Nigeria connection, the fake chat is one of the three most used strategies to scam a customer. The fake chat scam in itself is actually nothing bad or non-reputable. On some online platforms moderators are sometimes necessary to keep the conversations at a certain level.

A moderator is a person that guides a conversation, but doesn’t have their own opinion about the discussed topic. A debate moderator is very common in a discussion around political or social discussions. The moderator plays an important role in leading the conversation in a certain direction. Also the moderator is responsible for a fair exchange of views and ensures participants keep to their time limits. The moderator also asks questions from time to time to get more details on a certain point of a participant.  This is the origin of a moderated chat.

A fake operator operates a great number of fake profiles

A moderator of an online chat is common and not necessarily part of a scam. They are used on every social media platform and may even take on similar duties to customer support. An online moderator is also present on a reputable online dating website. The difference between a normal moderated chat and a fake chat scam is that the user of a reputable dating platform knows about the moderated chat.  Profiles of moderators are clearly marked, plus the operators of a moderator profile do not start a conversation and act like a fictitious person.

Fake operators of a non-reputable dating website act in the opposite way. One fake operator can manage a great number of fake profiles. The fake profiles aren’t clearly marked as such and fake operators don’t identify themselves as a fictitious person at the start. Some companies in Australia can operate hundreds of fake chat scam dating platforms. The principle is usually always the same. Only the names, the design and the incentives are different.

Some fake chat platforms advertise the promise that all accounts of all members are checked in detail by the operator. They may promise that the customer does not have to fear a subscription trap.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Where do the moderated dating portals get their customers from (Catfisher)?

a) Contact Brokers advises new costumers

The scam always happens on the online dating website itself. The user has to pay per sent message or for a subscription to a premium-membership to be able to send a message. In any case, this will only lead to you finding a fake profile or operator. But before you actually get ripped off, the operators have to take action first. They use social media platforms or e-mail to make the first contact. This kind of scam is known as catfishing.

Create fake profiles

Contact brokers are employees and freelancers who recruit new customers for the operators. Contact brokers register on different online markets which are generally free. Female users can usually register for free on these online markets.

Contact brokers create a number of profiles on those markets. The profiles usually show a picture of an attractive woman. The contact broker then either waits to be contacted or makes the first step and contacts users via the created profiles. If the contact broker receives an answer from a user, he’ll ask for the email address as soon as possible to keep the conversation more private.

A contact broker will try to get a private e-mail address

The procedure is similar to advertising markets. It also starts with an interesting profile that is created to roll free ads. As soon as the profile receives a message, the contact brokers will try to get a private e-mail address. The contact broker will then try contact the customer directly. They attract the customer with an interesting text and ask for an e-mail address.

The contact broker continues in this way, collecting around 100 e-mail addresses. He’ll then write to all users with an interesting and engaging message. It’s usually a long text with some pics.

Some samples of a content broker

The contact brokers message will also mention a certain chat room which is moderated and not free. If customers prefer a free market, the contact broker will reply with typical excuses. Some of them are:

“… I already had bad experiences with other chat rooms and I know this one very well.”
“… Only in this one you can also see my pictures even erotic ones, if you like.”
“…  This chat room has no spam plus we can keep it more private.”

It is not uncommon for the contact broker to not respond to a question. If he got the e-mail address from a certain contact market he may simply write:

“… We had a chat some time ago …”
“… I found your email address in my spam folder…”

An example for such a message of a contact broker:

“Hi, there how are you?
We chatted some time ago.
I am the Susanne, do you remember me?
At the moment I’m single and looking for some excitement. What about you? I still live alone and am still in the same area so it is not too far away from where you live (-;

Now I have a puppy and I’m still working as a nurse. You would make me very happy if you answer me and happier if we finally met. I still have your pictures in my head and I imagine that something very special could happen between us. If you feel the same way and want to meet up do not reply to this email as I will have to change my mail account soon. It is easier for both of us if you check out www.liebe110.net and search for Susanne4X.
One good thing is that you can also see all my sexy pictures on that platform straight away.
Well then I hope to hear from you, see you soon.
Your Susanne”

Bots for advertising

Bot for advertising

This kind of advertising is completely automated. So-called ‘bots’ can automatically create profiles on online contact markets. They can send messages to hundreds of people in just a few seconds. The goal is the same – to collect as many mailing addresses as possible, and such bots are more efficient.

The customer can be contacted again and again until they finally register on one of the contact markets. A contact broker earns his money by commission. This is between 30% and 50% of the amount that the user will spend in a 6 month period on a scam dating site.

If it is a professional contact broker, the scammer may use bots to create the accounts and messages as well. This way the contact broker can easily make a small fortune in a short time as some users can spend thousands of dollars.

b) New customers with Google AdWords

A large number of scam operators advertise their dating portals with Google AdWords or AdSense.

The profit margins of such scam websites can be high. Operators of moderated chat rooms can easily afford to spend money for ads to catch new customers. This is more financially viable for these scam operators, as opposed to regular operators. It creates a huge advantage for them in the online market.

c) Further advertising

Banners, spam mails, bought fake traffic, affiliate marketing and so on.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

How are the customers paid or animated?

Contact writers / Catfishers are the animators, moderators, agents or fake operators that write messages in a chat room. They play their part to encourage users to buy credits or to subscribe to a webpage. Fake operators create a profile first, then operate it to lure the victim to potentially get ripped off. To do this they usually use a fictional name and profile pictures of models. Another way to get the right images for fake profiles is to use other social media profiles or a sharing platform like PixaBay.com, where people upload their pictures and illustration without copyright.

Girl with an Smartphone

The easiest way to find out if a profile is fake is by using a search engine. You can either insert the name of the user and you may find another person by the same name. But a picture search is more accurate. Just paste the profile picture of a potentially fake profile into a search engine. The profile pictures of fake profiles are usually professional pictures of unknown models from Eastern Europe.

Difference between scammers and operators

There is a difference between a fake personality, as used by a love scam such as the Nigeria content, and a profile in a fake chat scam dating website. The scammers in love scamming use a fictional name, or falsely take on the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad.

In order to scam the user, these operators may send erotic messages and repeatedly suggest dates. A romantic date, of course, will never happen. The goals of the contact writers are to keep the users in a good mood. They aim to create traffic on the webpage and encourage the customer to pay again and again for coins or subscription.

Examples of fake operators

Operators of a fake chat website will express strong emotions in a short time. They may promise a hot first date or even a relationship. But it’s not possible to get in touch with each other via another platform. No private phone numbers or profile names of social media platforms will be provided. This is clearly a contradiction in terms. It’s usually impossible to find a single real person on a fake chat dating platform. An arranged date will never happen in real life. The fake operators will reply with excuses like:

“…I am a nurse and have a special shift or an emergency”
“…Someone is terribly sick or even worse”

They may use the common excuse of already having had bad experiences with online dating, being stalked by an ex , or some other sad story. That’s also the reason they present as to why they have no Facebook or other social media accounts. They want to keep the conversation going only on certain online dating sites which are not free. They often claim that it’s safer and more anonymous if the chat room is paid. This can go on for a long time, with a few messages a day. There are customers who spend more than $1000 on such conversations on a scam website.

Be careful

It’s not just about all the money you lose that makes fake online dating a big shame. The contact writer exploits lonely customers who may find it addictive after a while. There are so many men and women around the world who may be lonely and find it difficult to find a partner. A large number of customers of scam online dating pages are divorced or widowed. When they start chatting, they feel validated and understood. It gives them the chance to speak about their problems, worries, concerns or even about their broken heart. This would be great – if they were chatting to a real person.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Moderated dating webpages are a small industry in Australia

In Australia there are over 100 companies that operate more than 650 webpages. Several thousand animators work for the operators mostly in separate call centres. It is common that the contact broker and contact writer are located in Switzerland, Turkey or Kosovo. Operators are mostly located in Malta, Cyprus or Hong Kong. They choose these locations to save on taxes. In this way, they also don’t have to apply to the common terms of Australian law. These operators can’t pull this off forever. The customer will usually realise, but then it may be too late and you would have lost money already.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The love scamming rip off

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

All you need to know about love scamming

All about love scamming

We all know love can be tricky and business with love is even trickier. Dating online can be a risk and could even backfire. There are several thousands of dating websites which advertise a big number of active members and a free registration. Anyone looking for a hot adventure is accepted. Sounds good, right? But beware that this is also often the strategy of a non-reputable dating website looking to rip you off through a moderated chat.

With this type of scam, the paying customer spends a lot of money on a fake conversation. The chat partner is a professional animator operating a fake profile that shows a fictitious person. Another way to rip-off love seekers is with a subscription trap. In this case the user gets enticed by misleading information which leads to paying higher costs for a subscription. This is a complete scam as subscription trap dating websites use fake profiles with chat bots.

So not only do you pay for a service that can’t be cancelled, but the actual service is fake.

What role does Nigeria play?

Last, but certainly not least, is what’s called ‘Love Scamming’, a new method to rip people off. AS this is a new scam development, there are lots of questions. What exactly is love scamming and what are the clear signs to look out for? Is it possible to recognise it early and how can you protect yourself from it? And finally, what role does the West African country Nigeria play in it? Read on as we explain everything you need to know in the following article.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Love scamming is the same as romance scam

Love scamming or a romance scam are versatile scams which are getting more common on the Internet. The fake chat scams or subscription traps are bad enough, but a love scam takes playing with your emotions to the next level. As the name suggests, this is an emotional scam. Love may be the strongest emotion we experience and it can lead to a broken heart or a big hole in your wallet. Love  scammers use emotions to manipulate the victim. The victim gets caught up and loses the ability to think logically, and so the victim follows every instruction. This can lead to the victim getting severely ripped off.

The goal of love-scamming is to get money. Scammers create various incentives so that the victim transfers a lot of money, sometimes multiple times. This can work for a long period of time. The remarkable thing about love-scamming is that the victims never see or meet their supposed love in real life. In many cases they only exchange emails, SMS or other messages like WhatsApp. From time to time the love scammer will send pictures of themselves which are fake. If the victim asks for a video chat or to finally meet, the scammers will always find an excuse as to why it won’t work out right now but maybe another day. People sometimes pay huge amounts of money for this and get completely scammed.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

How does love scamming work?

How does love scamming work?

The most remarkable thing about love scamming is that it works in one country but also worldwide. The process of the love scam rip-off is in many cases identical, only the arguments, methods and lies of the scammers are different. Another thing is that it’s often men that get ripped off by love scamming on the internet. But as with all scams and rip-offs, both males and females can be affected.

Firstly, they may receive a notification from an unknown number. The scammers obtain the victims details via online dating platforms and social media . The messages are usually very similar to other kinds of messages requesting a date. However, these messages are usually very direct, and quickly promise great love. Unfortunately, the love isn’t possible to meet and certainly not free. The scam works with a little bit of small talk and then an explicit confession of love from both sides. After this it doesn’t take long until there’s a cry for help.

Scammers are not lacking in creativity and audacity

Scammers will use fictitious profiles to help with their scam. The soldier who wants to get home or the charming doctor that’s stuck in a third world country helping sick little children. Or the extremely good-looking and successful businessman. All of them say they’re stuck somewhere on the other side of the world and need money very quickly. But why do they need money if they are rich or a soldier, you may ask?

Their answers could be anything – they’re unable to pay their bills due to a mistake by the bank, or someone stole everything from their hotel room. There are so many excuses and they’re easy to fall for. They may say they have to pay for a vital operation for their dog or mother, the luggage and/or wallet was stolen at the airport. Scammers will play the role of the victim and claim that they’ve been ripped off and now they have no money at all. Scammers are not lacking in creativity and audacity.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Why does this rip-off work out so well?

Why does it seem so easy to convince people to transfer huge amounts of money to a person who was completely unknown until recently? Love scamming is successful because the victims are made emotionally dependent. They feel loved, heard and create a very strong connection to the scammer. The scammer expresses their love, but of course, this is all fake.

Where you can’t pay, the love story will quickly come to an end

Most people will have some concerns when transferring money to a foreign country, but their want for love is stronger. They believe that at some point, the money will be returned, along with the love of their life. But none of this will actually happen. The so called love story will come to an end if you can’t pay.

The scam doesn’t always work, and it’s a big job for the scammers. They do a lot of research to find potential victims. Scammers will specifically pick out older users that have been alone for a long time. When they have enough knowledge about the person and their life, they’ll initiate contact. After the first messages are exchanged, and the conversation continues there might even be some phone calls. Phone calls can be made via a normal smartphone, Skype or messenger app. The scammer won’t do a video call as they don’t want to be seen, and they’ll come up with excuses for this. This goes on for a while and after a while the desire for a date will come up.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

A question for money

The question for money

The idea of a date at this point is really enticing for the user, especially as the scammer makes them believe this could be true love. However, with a scam, there will always be a problem and the only solution for the problem will be money. The scammer will always be short of money, and will say they can’t afford a ticket to see you. At this point many victims have concerns around sending money to an unknown person. Especially as it is an expensive plane ticket which costs a little fortune.

So there are still doubts and many victims don’t want to pay. But scammers will play the joker card and react with emotional distress. They may accuse the victims of callousness and put themselves in the victim role. This entices the victim to transfer the money as they don’t want to lose their loved one. The amounts vary greatly, just as the arguments and scam methods do. Some scammers ask for a few hundred dollars and some want a five figure amount.

The basis of love scamming is that they will lie about everything by any means necessary. They’re stuck somewhere, they’ve been cheated or even captured. Even the fake profession of the scammer is a lie to entice compassion from the victim. It’s the soldier who’s stationed abroad and has to leave at all costs, the businessman who has been deceived or the empathetic employee of an aid organisation. There are some similarities to marriage tricksters or grandchild tricksters. They play with emotions and create dependency which enables them to ask for whatever money or support.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Nigeria – #1 for love-scamming

Nigeria - Number 1 of scam

One country which sadly leads in love scamming is the West African country Nigeria.

Nigeria is also well known for another scam. A scam which portrays a wealthy person who needs help. In this case, the scammer wants help by transferring money or moving to Europe. As he’s pretending to be wealthy, he promises a large amount of money in return. But one must first send money. Why would a wealthy person need money transferred? It’s a scam, but still

a lot of people fall for it.

These types of scams from Nigeria had become so common that it got it’s own name. The Nigeria Connection is now a well-known catchword. The Nigeria Connection got famous for the scam of a Nigerian Prince who needs help and money. These scams are increasingly based on love and emotions.

The scammer doesn’t want to show himself? It’s a sign!

The sad thing is that there’s no real way to protect yourself against getting ripped off this way. You must always act with caution online. If you receive messages when you’re logged in or not active on a dating platform, you have to be very careful.

Other signs of love-scamming are messages from abroad, via an unsafe platform where the scammer doesn’t show an image of himself. A clear hint is that the scammer doesn’t want to show a picture of himself and doesn’t want to have a video chat.

The most important thing is that you should NEVER transfer money to an unknown person under any circumstances. Think about what your best friend would say to you, speak to someone you trust, or take more time to think it through. If a person online asks for money, consider asking for official help.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_code]W2Z1c2lvbl9nbG9iYWwgaWQ9IjE4OCJd[/fusion_code][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” top_margin=”10″ bottom_margin=”10″ alignment=”center” /][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]

Tips to detect love scamming

Tips to detect love scamming

There is no real protection of the love scam. It starts with a simple message, they don’t ask for money or help initially and act like a nice person. It’s easy to fall for. But there are some things to watch out for by the way they make contact. There are some ways to tell that it’s a clear rip off. For example, the profile pictures of the rip-off artists often come from the Internet and don’t represent the real person. There is a simple check you can do by inserting the pictures into a search engine. This is a simple copy and paste. If you don’t know how to do this, ask a friend or search for an instruction video, page online.

By inserting the image into a search engine, you should be able to see where the pic originated from due to copyright. If it is a scam, you’ll find that the picture belongs to another person with another name. That’s the easiest way to find out if the picture actually belongs to someone else. Female scammers may entice their victims into a rip off trap with erotic and suggestive images. Male scammers usually use images of good looking, successful people and/or photos of men in uniforms or suits. Last, but not least, another clue is the distance and the country of origin of the scammers. Countries from West Africa, Russia or Southeast Asia are named a lot of the time.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]