Blackmail happens more to men, while women become victims of romance scams. Love scams are brutal; they are long-term and destroy in cruel ways. A victim meets the man of her dreams on a dating or social site. He is Prince Charming with all the bells and whistles. He is the devil there to steal every penny possible.
There are many red flags in online dating. At the top of the list is the man who works overseas. If you connect with one of them, you will quickly discover they cannot video or speak on the phone. You will slip into the bubble of a digital relationship without ever seeing the person on video or hearing their voice in a phone conversation. You will make excuses and think it is okay when it is not. The person you have foolishly let into your world through texting is an unidentified stranger, nothing more.
The relationship will turn, and disaster will befall Prince Charming. It will be a sick relative, bank, or business issue. Fake soldiers claim they need money to take leave and visit you. It is the moment of truth for you; do you wake up and walk away or enter the gates of a romance scam? If you send money, you will never see it again. Prince Charming will demand more; it will only end when you act.
Be safe and remember everyone you meet online is an unidentified stranger until proven otherwise.
FA@FrankAhearn.com
