FRAUD
Not only have I discovered older photos being used, but I have seen someone using someone else’s photo. Yes this has happened to me. I finally got a woman to Facetime me after several attempts. She claimed her phone could only text etc etc. She claimed she was flying to Johannesburg to settle her dead husband’s estate and would buy a phone on the way to the airport (I was tempted to ask for flight number etc but I was new to Match. She finally did FaceTime me and she was totally different person. I luckily took a photo of her profile because she was getting off Match (I learned later another red flag) I also thought it weird why she asked specific questions about my car, houses etc (no one since has ever done that) and asked for photos. I’ll sprinkle in other fraudulent stories in future posts.
Tips to prevent online dating fraud
Never send money, never share where you work or your home address.
After texting I recommend 3-5 days to ensure some comfort level, then call through the app or video chat. Video chat allows verification of who the person you’re talking to. If they avoid this it’s a big red flag, move on.
Once you’re comfortable get a full name and possibly share phone numbers (you can always block a caller later).
Meet for coffee or a cocktail. It's less of a time commitment and you can leave more quickly than a dinner.
Always drive your own car or use a car service. If not you are stuck and they would know where you live if they picked you up.
These simple precautions will ensure safer dating.
