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Online Romance/Dating Scam Artists steal Hearts, then Money !

Today the FBI announced indictments in a massive money laundering scheme.  They stated about 50% of the cases were online Romance Scams.

By Definition; A romance scam is a confidence trick involving feigning romantic intentions towards a victim, gaining their affection, and then using that goodwill to commit fraud.

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps, social media and yes, even Facebook by pretending to be prospective companions.  Peppering their pray with endearments avoiding face to face connection because of an “invisible love interest” ; making this fraud easier to commit.  But can algorithm really determine if 2 strangers could be soulmates?  Research proves , NO !

Here are a few warning signs of an online dating scam;

  • Professes love quickly, and commonly use the alias of being a doctor or a widower.  They also tell you to keep your romance secret from others.
  • Claims to be from US or Canada but is overseas for business or military service
  • Manipulates you over and over for money, and lures you off the dating site.  If someone asks you to get a gift card, don’t do it.
  • Claims to need money – for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel and plans to visit you, but can’t because of an emergency.

What really matters is it’s being done, and part of it is knowing the law and whether you live in a romance scam hotspot.  Police never call to ask you for money and banks never text you either.  The reported loss from victims of romance scams in Canada was just under $25 million in 2018, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and together with the U.S has lost nearly $1 billion over the last three years.  

So, how should you approach online dating if you want to meet someone?

  • Limit yourself to a reasonable number of candidates in a set time period.
  • Don’t put too much emphasis on people who seem most desirable on paper. Keep an open mind.
  • Emphasize what’s important to you, not what others say is important.
  • Craft your profile carefully, highlighting what sets you apart.
  • Or consider using a matchmaking service which will personally verify, verify, verify on your behalf

Watch how a BC Woman lost her sister to a romance scam and is hoping her story  and us sharing will prevent other tragedies.  https://globalnews.ca/news/5095659/romance-scam-money/

To report a Romance Scam in Canada file a report with your local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre : http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/reportincident-signalerincident/index-eng.htm

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Single? Get your GROOVE back!

Whether you’re bouncing back after a divorce, or recovering from the death of your life partner, returning to the dating scene is never easy.  Indeed, from the challenge of meeting someone new, to wondering if they’ll call again, to those inevitable questions about sex and intimacy, the prospect of getting back in the groove can seem downright daunting.

For the most part of the singles we meet, baby boomers are the fastest-growing group of new singles.  Indeed many in this age group are divorced, single or widowed and now find themselves back out on the dating scene for the first time in years.  The one important thing to remember is that almost everyone shares at least some of that same anxiety and if you want to start dating again, you won’t have to look far to find companionship!

Now if you have a happy and fulfilling life without dating, you shouldn’t feel pressured into a social scene that’s not right for you.  At the same time, if you’re craving companionship and maybe a little romance, don’t be shy about filling those needs – and the dating world is an excellent place to start!

So you are probably saying –now what?  How do you meet eligible people? Should you try online dating or do it the old-fashioned way, finding dates through friends, acquaintances or a matchmaker?

I can point out that dating is a numbers game, and you’re probably going to have to meet a few people before you find someone you really like.  And if you are a busy person with work commitments, kids at home, then you have to make dating efficient.  And there is no more efficient vehicle than working with matchmaker. 

Let’s take the first step together! We love working with first time back to the dating scene singles.  What may seem like a daunting task ahead of you is what we do everyday.  Helping guide our clients through the process and make the experience enjoyable.

Take the plunge email [email protected]

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Sexual Orientation is Not Set in Stone

Since founding my company, Matchmaker for Hire, I have been working as Matchmaker in Western Canada areas and beyond and I love what I do.  I love my clients and the relationships I was building, however I’m finding some singles are embracing the notion that they are more open to changes in their sexuality or experience a shift in sexual feelings and its becoming more common.  

I hear it all the time; “dating is so hard”, “I feel like I know everyone”, “I am so picky”.  There are so many reasons why matchmaking is so crucial in today’s world.  Today the majority still rely on dating online and hook-up mobile apps, but there are so many reasons why LGBTQ+ matchmaking is crucial to help find that “special someone” who is stable in all aspects of their life.

I have lived in a few major metropolitan cities and know dating is hard everywhere and the issue for most in the LGBTQ+ community, which I’m sure many people would agree, is that there are only so many gay bars where professional singles go to socialize, and it seems like social networks are incestuous.  As well , it’s unfortunate that not everyone has the luxury of being “out” which causes a slew of other issues as far as dating online, where matchmaking provides the confidentiality that a lot of people need.

It goes without saying that dating has changed a lot over the years, and we are extremely proud to support the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for love.  Look for us this Sunday at PRIDE Vancouver Canada and we hope to catch up with everyone’s Pride and summer plans;  also make some great networking and romantic connections.

Happy Pride !

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