Dating Scams
Scams done through dating sites are numerous. Those looking for love are very vulnerable. It can be a simple as just asking for a gift or proof of your love. It can be just that your Love Interest needs cash to return home to you. Don’t be a vitim! They can also be complex scams. Read specific scams below:
“Reshipping” Scheme
As the popularity of shopping on the Internet has grown, so have correspondingly the number of E-commerce websites. As traditional brick and mortar stores continue to increase their World Wide Web presence, the organized criminal elements have quickly responded by adapting, changing, and bringing their tradecraft to the Cyber world.
Although the “Reshipping” scheme continues to change, one part remains basically the same. This scheme requires individuals in the United States who, in some instances, are coconspirators and other times, are unwitting accomplices to receive packages at their residence and subsequently repackage the merchandise for shipment usually abroad.
“Reshippers” are found in various ways. However, the most common recruitment technique that happens almost everyday are described as the “Friendship” and/or “Love” through Internet Chat or messages. They may also be someone who contacted you through your On-line Personals ad and then gets you to move to Yahoo/AOL chat or regular email.
While conversing in various Internet Chat rooms, unsuspecting (United States) citizens are befriended by unknown individual(s) who represent themselves as living or working in a foreign country. At this point, the victim’s line of recruitment will take one of two paths.
“Friendship”
After establishing this new on-line “friendship,” the scammer would explain that for various legal reasons, their country will not let direct business shipments into their country from the United States. After the unknown subject has “played” their sad story, they will ask for permission to send recently purchased items to their United States address for subsequent shipment abroad. The scammer further states that they will cover all shipping expenses. After the U.S. citizen agrees, the proverbial “flood gates” open and the packages start to arrive at great speed. This fraudulent scam lasts several weeks until the “reshipper” is contacted by either the victimized merchants or they may receive a visit from law enforcement, explaining to the “reshipper” that the recent shipments were purchased with fake or stolen credit cards.
“Love”
This scam is where the scammer uses seduction to ensnare his/her victim. The scammer shows their romantic overtures by providing his/her unsuspecting partner with a nominal gift.
After the romantic trap has been set, the scammer puts forth the idea they want to use their partner’s U.S. residential address for the receiving and subsequent reshipping of a recent on-line purchases. Once the agreement has been reached, the packages start to quickly arrive and out of their feelings of obligation the packages are quickly prepared for reshipment abroad. Several weeks later, you are contacted by the victimized merchants or law enforcement. Then, the strings of attachment are untangled and you realizes that your relationship was nothing more than an Internet scam to help transfer goods that were purchased on-line by fraudulent means. You may be left owing the money on the items or be charged with accepting stolen goods. Worse you may face felony fraud or mail fraud charges if you can not prove your innocence.
Mail Order Bride Scheme
The Scammer posts personal ads on various websites. They (Can be a man or woman) will say they are living in another country and looking for a relationship with men/women from the United States. Individuals who reply receive emails from the women initiating a relationship, which usually develops very quickly. The woman explains that she wants to come to the country where the victim lives, but she has no money and does not know how or what paperwork needs to be files. A dating agency that is willing to take care of all the necessary paperwork and coordination for a small fee corresponds with the victim.
The victim sends the money and are told that the woman or man will arrive on a certain date but before the date of arrival, the victim will receive a email message or phone call with a new problem requiring more money. Regardless of whether the victim sends money or not, he/she will never hear from the woman/man or agency again.
