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Online Romance Scams
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to dating online, it turns out the Nigerians are still at it. After all, they obviously making some damn good money.
Used to be I got several messages a week from scammers. Most of those were on MySpace and, since changing my profile to private, I have gotten rid of most of the problem.
They really are easy to spot. The initial message is lengthy, obviously written by someone for whom English is not their first language and are very sappy and flowery. Also, I’ve always thought the pictures looked like the ones that come with a wallet or picture frame. It used to be that they would have just one picture but, apparently, things have changed and they are stealing multiple photos of the same person.
But it’s not just the Nigerians who are posting fake photos of themselves. I received a message just a few days ago with questionable photos. I’m always suspicious if they are a little too perfect. Of course, local scammers lie about everything from age, weight, income and marital status.
Thoughts?
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auntiegwen November 30th, 2008, 11:39 am
Jeez, I wonder if some poor bugger is trying to pass themselves off as me ??? I’ve got loads on my blog.
I suppose it’s unlikely as The Beautiful Son will sell me out for £1.50 per day !!!!
auntiegwen´s last blog post..Happy St Andrews Day
William December 1st, 2008, 5:56 am
Those funny Nigerians!
They really do love me….
Hey, wait a minute! :0…Did you say this was a
scam!…
Bad Nigerians! Bad! Bad!
~x~Will
William´s last blog post..A fun Exercise (A parody of John Milton’s “On His Blindness”):
lisaq December 1st, 2008, 7:12 am
Haha Gwen. I hear you. There are tons of me floating around out there..though I can’t imagine anyone actually using them.
Yes William…very bad Nigerians. Be careful my friend!
saneandsingle December 2nd, 2008, 8:27 pm
They must have more than one picture. And you’re right, if they look too perfect, I don’t respond.
saneandsingle´s last blog post..Sexy Song of the Week
lisaq December 3rd, 2008, 6:50 am
I hear you saneandsingle, but apparently having more than one isn’t even a guarantee.
dadshouse December 3rd, 2008, 12:07 pm
That’s a great video. Another way they make money from your picture – they submit a profile to an online dating site, and get a small referral fee. Or if they are running the site, they get more people to subscribe to the service if they already have members. I don’t online date anymore. It’s better meeting people in real life.
MindyMom December 3rd, 2008, 2:36 pm
Thanks for bringing this to my attention dadshouse. I too no longer date online. You never know what you’re getting…
T December 3rd, 2008, 2:38 pm
WOW!! Verrrrryyyy inttteerrrrreessssting!
T´s last blog post..Hauntings
lisaq December 4th, 2008, 7:17 am
Thanks Dad’s House! I thought it was really crazy. And I had no idea of the whole referral fee business. You’re right I think. Online dating is yuck!
Yeah MindyMom…you just don’t know.
Haha T. Thanks!