Romance Scammers Plague LGBT Dating Apps

You might be using an LGBT dating app to meet new people, express yourself, and find a real partner. However, the chances of meeting a romance scammer are also high. To help you stay alert, we will discuss why the LGBT community should watch out for romance scams, what the signs of a romance scammer are, and how to avoid romance scams on LGBT dating apps. Check out the article below to learn how you can maintain a fun and stress-free use of LGBT dating apps!

Why Should We Watch Out for Romance Scams on LGBT Dating Apps?

While you may be trying your luck to find your one true love online, scammers are also taking the opportunity to play with your emotions and gain money from you. They will make you fall in love with their sweet words, but they send the same messages to other LGBT members. Once you’re comfortable enough with them, they will start telling you that they need money for travel or medical expenses.

You must watch out for romance scams on different LGBT dating apps because you might just end up heartbroken or financially drained. Aside from the fear that your family and friends will judge you for getting scammed, you may also not get your money back. So, be cautious while exploring LGBT dating apps.

Signs of a Romance Scammer on LGBT Dating Apps

While romance scammers are rampant on LGBT dating apps, you can spot them if you know the signs, such as the following:

They Often Use Photos of Models

Romance scammers have suspicious profiles. If you look at their profile pictures, you will only find a handful of them. The images are also too fancy to be true. They like using pictures of models or places. Photos are often taken from free stock image sites. There is also little to no information provided on their profile. So, before talking to someone on LGBT dating apps, make sure that the profile is real.

They Claim They’re From the Military and Need Money

A common fake story that romance scammers use is that they work in the military. Given that there’s something attractive about people in uniform, you would want to know them more. However, apart from using fake military pictures, they will start telling you that they need some assistance with some emergency, travel, or medical costs.

They Ask You To Do a Wire Transfer or Use a Gift Card

As they tell you fake stories to make you send them money, they will request a wire transfer or a gift card. With these options, getting your money back seems impossible. So, be skeptical if they mention these choices. They shouldn’t be asking for money in the first place.

They Express Their Love Too Soon

Romance scammers on LGBT dating apps are experts at choosing the right words that will make you fall for them and eventually trust them. They will not run out of compliments for you. Even if it has just been a few days or weeks, they will start confessing that they feel a special connection with you. While it’s flattering to hear someone professing their love to you, know that romance scammers move fast to get the money — not love — that they want from you.

They Invite You To Communicate Outside of the Dating App

For them not to get banned on any LGBT dating app, romance scammers will ask you to talk using another platform. This could be through Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, or another messaging app. It may just be another trap for you, so either stay on the app or stop talking to them if they get too aggressive.

They Offer To Meet and Cancel at the Last Minute

Some romance scammers will try to meet with you. But, ironically, they will take a rain check on the set date, giving you lame excuses. They will also avoid making video calls because they’re not obviously who they claim to be.

Learn How To Avoid Romance Scams on LGBT Dating Apps

For you to protect yourself and your wallet, you need to know how to avoid romance scams on LGBT dating apps. Here are some ways that will help you avoid getting into trouble:

• Never disclose your personal details or send money to people you’ve only met online. Sharing your credit card information, home address, or Social Security numbers will only harm you and your bank account. No matter how believable or sad the story is, there is no reason for you to send money to random people.
• Never agree to do a wire transfer. Remember that you cannot retrieve your money if you listen to these requests.
• Initiate video calls to confirm whether they’re real. If they always find ways not to show their face, then you may be talking to a scam artist and not a potential real partner.
• Do not easily agree to talk outside of the dating app. If they want the communication to be more private, be skeptical because they will have more ways to trick you without other people getting in the way.
• Report any romance scams that you have been a victim of to the FTC.
• Ask specific questions. Do not hesitate to probe regarding the details of their profile. Romance scammers will usually end up making excuses that do not add up.
• Do not send private images that may be used against you. Romance scammers will make threats just to force you to send them money.

LGBT Dating Apps: Be on Guard From Romance Scammers With Social Catfish

While it’s possible to find a real partner through LGBT dating apps, you need to watch out for romance scammers hiding behind those fake glamorous pictures. Knowing how to avoid romance scams on LGBT dating apps will protect yourself and your bank account. If you think you’ve just met a potential romance scammer, conduct a reverse search at Social Catfish to find out who they really are.