I want to write about the most common types of fraud in social networks (dating services), because it’s not in vain that they say: warned means armed.
Fraudster # 1: “A Foreign Friend”
Photos, names and place of residence can be different, one thing is permanent: he is a very attentive, generous man who does not have Russian citizenship and lives outside the territory of the Russian Federation. After a long conversation, he decides to send you a gift (expensive jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.) by courier delivery service.
The gift has already been bought, packaged, delivery has been paid, and here it turns out that the legislation of the Russian Federation defines a tax on the receipt of such presents, which can only be paid by a citizen of the Russian Federation, i.e. recipient. Moreover, tax repayment must occur strictly before the parcel is received. The fraudster is very uncomfortable for this fact, he apologizes many times and says that to compensate for the gift, he encloses a box with an amount equal to the amount of tax. As a confirmation of his words, a fraudster can take a photo of a “gift”, a box of money and attach a scan of a fake receipt. They may even call you from the "courier service" and repeat the requirements for paying tax.
Of course, in fact, no premise exists. Do not fall for these tricks.
Fraudster # 2: Matchmakers
It all starts with what an interesting man (woman) writes to you. A bright past, in the present operating business, a happy but lonely life. He admits strong sympathy, says that he does not like virtual communication and asks to leave the phone right away (he will either get in touch or his assistant / personal time organizer / personal consultant / friend).
In fact, the person depicted in the photograph did not view your profile and most likely does not even need to get to know each other.
When you come on a date, you are greeted by a marriage agent whose task is to make you sign up for a large number of expensive trainings and services, after which he will be able to choose the perfect pair for you.
The number of trainings will constantly increase, as psychologists will find new psychological problems that prevent you from building relationships. We recommend that you do not send your contact information to unfamiliar users. As a rule, those who do not have the real purpose of dating refuse further correspondence on sites.
Scammer No. 3: "From a hot spot"
Fraudsters register women's profiles, indicating the hot spots of Ukraine as their city of residence. These profiles contain photographs of beautiful girls (naturally not belonging to the owners of the profiles), each of the hundreds of contacts a “girl” talks about a difficult situation, a desire to leave the country and move to him, the one and only beloved. To do this, she just needs money to travel and to bribe the border guards. After receiving the funds, the fraudster disappears.
Similar cases of registration of male profiles sending similar requests to girls have been described.
Fraudster # 4: “I can’t contact.”
Attentive, nice, and most importantly a girl very interested in you can keep up the conversation for several days or even weeks. When it comes time to translate the relationship into real life, she suddenly runs out of money on her mobile phone. And she would be glad to contact you, but she will not be able to physically do this until she repays the debt. You, too, will not be able to reach the girl; her number is blocked.
After describing the situation, she asks to replenish the account and can promise to return the money immediately as soon as the opportunity arises, or maybe even faster - today or in half an hour.
There are options when a lady is in another village and she needs money for a ticket to get to you.
Unfortunately, money leaves your life together with this girl - irrevocably.
Please be vigilant!
