Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

How to spot romance scams online and protect yourself

fastcompany.com · 12dShare

Imagine matching with someone on a dating app who seems to have it all: charm, wealth, a glamorous lifestyle, and serious intentions about building a future with you. That was the promise prosecutors say 35-year-old Daejon Love offered to women he met online. Federal authorities recently charged Love and an alleged accomplice with defrauding more than two dozen women of approximately US$1.3 million through fictitious investment opportunities. According to the complaint, Love allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers professional football player or wealthy real estate investor, used romantic relationships to gain women’s trust and then persuaded them to send money. The case is a stark reminder that dating scams often begin not with an obvious request for money but with the careful construction of emotional connection and trust. The internet has revolutionized dating, and there has been a surge in U.S. adults using apps to find ideal matches post-pandemic. While these apps offer convenien

First report: Daejon Love case highlights online romance scams: Research reveals scammers’ tactics – and how to defend against them — theconversation.com, 12d