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Speaking Point: In 2011 there was a 150% increase in scams being run through online dating sites. As with any popular technology the criminals will find a way to prey on helpless victims but by following a few simple tips, online daters can avoid falling into their traps. Speaking Point: INCOMPLETE PROFILES - There are some scams online and sites that have fake profiles for a variety of reasons. If you see only one picture and many holes int he profile responses - stay away. It might be a ploy from the site to look busier and sexier, therefore attracting you to buy a larger membership package or it could be a predator looking to approach you for information. Speaking Point: PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO MEET IN PERSON - There are people who use online dating as simply a hobby or who are married and like the idea of connecting with someone online or by phone for racy talk but don't actually have the guts to meet up in person. Or they could not be who they say they are and they are at all. They are just wasting your time and keeping you from meeting the one. If you sense they are avoiding or delaying meeting you - abort mission. Speaking Point: OLD PICTURES/NO PICTURES - If the hair styles or clothes seem out of date or the quality of the photo doesn't seem crisp and hi-resolution, this person might not look the way they appear to in the photos. If they have no photo, they could just be shy but they also could be hiding something. Ask them for new current photos and if they can't provide them, you might want to think twice about meeting up. Speaking Point: ANYONE ASKING FOR MONEY - This is the oldest trick in the book whether we're talking about phone scams, email scams or face to face swindles. The only payment you should be making is to the online dating site. If a date is asking for your credit card number for any reason, they are probably a Nigerian Prince and you should definitely say no.
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