According to the most recent estimate, roughly 323 million people are registered on dating apps, with most of them using their mobile devices to make matches.
Although online dating goes all the way back to 1965, the first dating app was released in 1995, and the trend has been on the upswing since then.
As a platform, online dating allows users to connect with like-minded people based on gender, age, religion, ethnicity, profession, interests, political views, marital status, and other factors.
It changed how young and middle-aged people who are alone and single met strangers online and progressed in their lives.
More and more people are shifting from the real world to virtual life. They try out new relationships, meet people from multiple backgrounds and connect with varied sets of people in an entirely new way.
This is especially true for people finding partners for dating purposes. In fact, this is the age of internet love – where people date online and then do everything possible to make their relationships a success.
While this luxurious choice has given many the power to stop being dependent on physical attraction alone, there is always one fly in the ointment!
Due to the anonymity offered by online dating apps, there are many cases of online fraud where fake profiles are created to dupe honest and innocent men and women.
Furthermore, it has been found that cyber dating is fraught with the risks of compromising your identity when using online dating apps. So here are some precautions you should take while using online dating apps to make sure you’re not swindled by your next date.
Connect with many but trust with care
With the growing popularity of online dating apps, it has become easier for scamsters to make easy money by fooling and cheating innocent users.
Fraudsters can easily make a fake profile on various online dating apps and lure other victims with their false identity claims and offers.
Always cross-check their tall claims concerning their profession, marital status, income, identity by searching them on other social media platforms and search engines to verify the veracity of the information provided.
If they don’t have a presence on any other social media platform, proceed with caution.
Don’t reveal all
After having a taste of the online dating apps, it’s easy to indulge in the fantasy due to the lack of real-life contact. You weed through the innumerable profiles and photos and find that special someone who turns your world upside down.
The impatience and desperation to find a ‘soul mate’ often lead to people revealing their true identity too early. Therefore until and unless you are sure of your match credentials, it is highly advisable not to disclose yours and go slow and steady to safeguard your interest.
You can discover whether the photo is of the same person or not by performing a simple reverse image search on the internet.
Keep money matter away
We do not recommend to stop trusting people altogether but do look for these red flags and keep your eyes and ear open so that nobody can take you for a ride.
Online scamsters either charm their victims by acting sophisticated, rich, successful, taking you to lavish restaurants travel destinations, or try to gain your sympathy and trust by sharing a sob story and asking for money to help them.
Even if you’ve been dating someone for a few months, don’t lend money to them until you’re sure of their true intentions.
