CATFISHED AND CONNED

The hidden dangers of online dating.

- Sam D Walia

Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating platforms or social media, often using AI-generated images or stolen photographs. These profiles are designed to attract unsuspecting individuals seeking love or companionship. When setting up a profile, dating applications generally offer a range of recommendations on likes and dislikes. Scammers usually select all the given recommendations to enhance their chances of finding a match.

This entire scamming process follows five stages. The first is baiting, where scammers use attractive profiles to draw in victims. Next comes conditioning, where they build emotional connections through intimate conversations. Then comes crisis creation, where they fabricate emergencies or crises to request money. This is followed by manipulation, where they blackmail victims with threats of exposing private information or images. Finally, there is revelation, where the scam is exposed, often after incurring significant financial losses.

Who Are The Scammers?