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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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THANK YOU PIERSON HALCRO FAMILIES

THANK YOU PIERSON HALCRO FAMILIES FOR GIVING ME THE GREAT HONOR TO BE YOUR MATCHMAKER FOR HIRE

AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SEASON FINALE AND SUCCESSFUL SEASON 1

The Pierson Halcro families celebrated the season finale last night of the popular E Entertainment “Relatively Nat & Liv “ TV series that follows the high-octane shenanigans of the PIERCROS families living in Vancouver, Canada. We were of course excited to contribute a very small part in the series and we could never repay them for this kind of endorsement.  I know you would not be adverse to me sending you some Gucci ?

Seriously , thank you Pierson Halcro ladies, I’m grateful.  The love you share with one another is your greatest asset.  All the best for your Nat & Liv Collection and Season 2.

Our appearance was Season 1 episode 6 aired on July 7, 2019

Re watch on Hayu Canada

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Feel like your Dating Life is Turning to Sh*t !

One of the most powerful things I learned from my clients was that while you are not in control of everything that happens to you, you are in control of the meaning it gives when it comes to dating and finding love.

If you experience life while looking for love with the understanding that you are authoring the story it will allow you to make the brave decisions rather than “seeing what happens” and *reacting* to it. 

When you can conceive that obstacles (like a not so great first date) are not the end, and merely a chapter, it makes them easier to overcome.   Its like knowing you can write the antagonist out of a plot simply by changing the decisions he/she will make, and the storyline will flow.  Realizing you have a choice to make a circumstance either end the principle character or make he/she stronger,  you will start looking for creative ways you can overcome things, rather than questioning if you would.

I am not sure what you are going thru with your dating experiences, my friends, but I just wanted to remind you that you are holding the pen……

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Relatively Nat and Liv – We’ll she can’t say she wasn’t warned.

When Olivia Pierson wanted to bring her Mom, Julia Jerome Pierson for a meeting to meet me to play matchmaker for her Mom, she didn’t think that its in my nature to be interested in her romantic life as well ?

Her first reaction was defensive, and she used a few profanities I recall from our meeting but she changed her tune, when we focussed more on which one of the eligible bachelors, that she surprisingly said looked like her Dad,  I presented to be set up with her mom.

Julia went out on a meet and greet with Allan for real and as part of the popular E Channel Relatively Nat and Liv reality TV series that follows the high-octane shenanigans of the PIERCROWS families living in Vancouver.  The date arranged by Matchmaker for Hire Jane Carstens at the request of the producers took place on a patio overlooking Vancouver while “the family” happens to surprisingly mix in with the crowd on the seawall and crash the date.  The 90-minute filming last fall translated into three minutes of footage which was the least dramatic part of Season 1.   

Season 1 – Episode 6 aired in USA Tuesday July 3 on E Channel and this Sunday July 7 in Canada.  

We will be watching Canada !

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Get your Dating Face On

These dating photo tips are meant to craft the perfect snapshot of who you are, but it only gets your foot in the door. If you need help figuring out what to do next, we can help at Matchmaker for Hire.

How Many Photos to Have?

Too many pictures can be overkill.  No one wants to get overwhelmed with the number of photos so keep it a relatively low number.  Our suggestion 3 is a great number to have, and no less.

What Pictures to Use?

There are two kinds of pictures that you absolutely need to have in your profile.  One should be a picture of your face relatively close up (no sunnies).  Another should be a picture of your full body.  Think about it from his/her perspective; she wants to see what you look like, just like you want to see what she looks like.  Showing only one part of yourself creates the impression that you are hiding something and concealing it is only going to make you look dishonest when you finally meet.

Pictures of You being Awesome

You’re a great person with a vibrant social life, you want him/her to know that.  So the best shots are the ones—within the guidelines that we’ve already established –are pictures of you out and having fun.  You need to have at least one picture of you alone , but also have one having a killer time. Even it you’re just standing by yourself in a picture somewhere cool, like hiking or a tourist attraction or foreign skyline, you’re communicating same thing; you’re a fun loving person.

What Kind of Pictures to Avoid

Pictures with kids generally don’t do well, nor do shirtless selfies in your bathroom mirror are best avoided.  In fact, it’s best to avoid selfies in general.

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Why You’ll Fall for “Funny” Every Time

This weekend , I saw one kick-ass live Comedy show with Trevor Noah and he had my back and didn’t disappoint.  Shocking as it may sound, when I ask singles what top qualities they look for in a partner, most say a sense of humor !

There is just something about a person who makes you giggle, and there’s a reason Seth Rogen never fails to steal our hearts in every movie.  Funny has a charm and electricity about it that’s hard to deny.  Here’s a few reasons why “silly” will always have you hooked;

  • It never gets boring and it makes things exciting because you have to be quick to keep up with he or she.
  • Sure anyone can tell a good old fashioned joke, but it takes a certain type of a genius to nail a punchline that will make you laugh until your belly hurts.
  • Nothing eases up an awkward moment better than a good-hearted joke – and they also know when the time is right to tease and when it is better not.
  • They teach you to laugh at life and yourself. What is a sweeter love when you can both truly be yourself around each other.
  • Unlike so many others who seem one-dimensional, funny people have a beautiful complex to them. When they are comfortable enough to reveal their sensitive side to us, it is a special and intimate feeling.
  • Most importantly, they never fail to bring a smile to your face.  If you laugh at all their funny antics, you probably have a crush.  If you also laugh at the failed one-liners, you my friend, are already in love.

Would a stand up show be a good date idea for you ?

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Dad …it’s time you started dating – Contest

ENTER TO WIN a Membership! 
Dating isn’t easy, and dating as a single parent can be even more difficult but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile thing to do. Studies have shown that re-coupling after a divorce has a positive influence on one’s sense of satisfaction and adjustment. Greater self-esteem, decreased loneliness, and feelings of a larger support network are just three of the things that a new relationship can provide. So we’d like to encourage all of the (emotionally ready) single dads out there is to jump into the pool, go all in, plant the dating seed. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. Studies have shown that female single parents find it easier to meet new people than did men and so we want to help. We are offering one lucky single dad a membership at Matchmaker for Hire so that we make the introductions and help facilitate the re-partnering process.We have clients ranging from late 20’s to early 70’s so any aged Dads please apply!

To be entered you can go to; 
-Follow us on Instagram  @matchmaker4hire
-Like us on Facebook
-Tag a friend in our post
-Send us an email with the reasons why they think they are deserving of winning to [email protected]

Winner will be announced on Friday June 21st 2019!

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Love for Raptors can lead to Real Love

Sports………that’s how we met people in Canada.  It’s so hard to meet people in our cities, but we all get together over sports. Last night the Warriors forced the NBA finals to  Game 6 with the Raptors, so here’s your chance.   If you need proof there’s more to sports than sport, then how about going to a sporting event on a first date.  Here’s our thoughts;

  • If she’s a fan of the team I don’t see why not.  Normally I’d see as a bad move, but all depends on how comfort she is with it and if she’s excited to go then it’s a good move!
  • Awkward one to one conversations always go with first dates, so then a sporting event is a good way to go with no real pressure to be over romantic.
  • A first date should never be about getting to know them. First dates you should take your date somewhere fun and enjoyable where you don’t have to spend a lot of time actually talking to them, but you just enjoy their company. Like the movies, mini golf, a sports game, something casual like that. It’s comfortable to be around each other and helps break the ice. The Second date is where you take them to dinner and actually have a 1 on 1, in-depth, continuous conversation.  And the bonus is you’ll always have a bailout conversation topic, because you can just revisit and talk about whatever you did on the first date.
  • More so than any other the idea of a game date depends on the girl.  For example, if you take a date to a Blue Jays game and she played softball in college and is a huge baseball fan, it would be cool…however you might not do it with anyone else you date.
  • I think it would be a more casual experience than something that usually comes with a lot of pressure, like dinner. If it goes well and the other person is into it as much as you (or at least tries to be) it lets you get comfortable with each other quicker. That said, you probably won’t get much time to talk if you’re watching the game, and if you’re a huge fan and they’re not, it could push them away. So maybe do something else in addition after to it where you can talk more.
  • There’s always so much going on and there’s BEER. Who wouldn’t love to be taken to a game on a first date, beer makes everything so much fun. Even if she’s not a big sports fan, she’s sure to enjoy a laid back evening or afternoon courtside or at Jurassic Park. Even amateur teams tend to have more entertainment during the game, which will provide you with tons of conversation starters. Plus, the drinks and food won’t cost you an arm and a leg which is especially good news if things don’t pan out.
  • And lastly, If you’re finding conversation awkward at a sporting event trust me, it wouldn’t be any better at a dinner and you probably aren’t right for each other anyway.

Going to a sporting event on a first date, Yay or Nay?

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