A fake profile is a person who creates an online dating profile with the intention of scamming other users. These scammers can be found on any type of dating site, but they're especially prevalent on sites that cater to people looking for long-term relationships or marriage. They often use photos from stock photo websites and claim to be much younger than their actual age (or even claim to be an entirely different gender).
Many people create fake profiles because they don't have time for real relationships--they may have recently gotten out of a serious relationship and want some company while they get over it; others are just bored and looking for something fun; still others are lonely individuals who want companionship but don't think they'll ever find it in real life so they try their luck online instead. Whatever the reason behind it might be, there are several ways you can spot these scammers before falling victim yourself:
* No Profile Picture (we prevent that on AfricanAbroadDate.com)
* Incomplete Profile
* Too Good to be True
There are a few things to look out for when it comes to online interactions.
Strange Messages: If you get messages that seem off, or are written in a way that doesn't match the person's profile, it could be a sign of a fake profile. For example, if someone whose bio says they're into hiking and yoga starts talking about how much they love Mountain Dew and fast food, there's a good chance this is not their real account.
Unusual Requests: If someone asks you for money or personal information right away--or even before meeting up in person--it could be an attempt at identity theft or fraud (and definitely not what dating sites are meant for).
Inconsistent Stories: If someone tells different stories about themselves from one conversation to another (for example saying they live in one city but work somewhere else), then there's something fishy going on!
There are several red flags that can help you spot a fake profile on an online dating site.
Vague responses: If your match is not answering your questions directly, or if their answers seem vague, it's likely that they're hiding something.
Asking for money: This can be a big sign that someone is trying to scam you out of your hard-earned cash. If you're asked for money in any way, shape or form--even if it's just small amounts at first--that person may be up to no good! It's best not to give these people any more information than necessary until you know them better (and have decided whether or not they're worth trusting).
Sharing personal information: While sharing personal details about yourself can help build trust between two people who are getting acquainted with each other online, sharing too much too soon can also invite trouble into your life if someone isn't who they say they are on their profile page.
If you're looking for a quick way to spot a fake profile, try Google Reverse Image Search. To do this, simply right-click on an image and select "Search Google for Image." You'll be able to see if the same picture has appeared elsewhere on the internet or if it's unique.
If you want more information about someone before meeting them in person, look at their social media profiles (if they have them). You can also check out their background checks--they might help you determine whether or not they're trustworthy!
If you're using a dating site, be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue. If they seem too good to be true, they probably are. If someone is interested in getting to know you but has no profile picture or information about themselves, it's best not to engage with them at all. If this happens, just ignore them and move on!
It's easy to get excited when chatting with someone online--especially if they seem really nice and interesting (and perhaps even attractive). But before sharing personal information like where you live or work or what schools your kids attend (or don't attend), make sure that person actually exists! You could end up giving away valuable details about yourself without knowing whether or not there's any real reason for concern.\* Trust Your Instincts If something feels wrong about someone else's profile--whether it's their photo or something else--don't ignore those feelings; trust them instead! Don't let yourself become distracted by an attractive face or body type; remember: looks aren't everything!