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Oh dear, with all those sneaky Casanovas trolling around online looking for their next victim, it’s enough to make a gal or fella want to hang up their dancing shoes for good!
But don’t let a few shifty characters stop you from finding friendship and love, you sophisticated seniors.
Just because there are some rats lurking around dating sites doesn’t mean you still can’t connect with that special someone with just a click or two.
Let’s dish about the most common tricks no-good love bandits try to pull, so you can spot them a mile away.
We’ll talk about the senior dating scams and best senior dating sites, guaranteed to help you meet that special someone without getting scammed.
Senior Dating Scams
The “Gimme Your Money, Honey” Scam
You meet what seems like a real nice guy or gal in an online chat room. After talking for a bit, they suddenly have a family emergency or money trouble and ask to “borrow” some funds from you.
Don’t fall for it, darling! This is the oldest trick in the book. As soon as you send the money, that scammer will disappear faster than socks in the dryer. If someone you barely know asks for money, just say no!
The “Steal Your Heart and Your Wallet” Scam
In this underhanded scheme, the scammer creates a fake dating profile using someone else’s photos and life story. They spend weeks or even months building an emotional connection with you and gaining your trust.
Eventually they weave a tale about needing money for an emergency or to invest in a business opportunity. Since you care for your new love, you want to help, so you send the requested funds.
But as soon as you do, the scammer breaks off all contact and disappears with your cash.
Moral of the story: guard your personal details closely and never, ever send money to someone you haven’t actually met in person, no matter how in love you think you are.
The “Romance Blackmail” Scam
A unique variety of online dating extortion. You meet someone special on a senior dating site and exchange some spicy photos or videos.
Shortly after, you get messages demanding money or else the scammer will send the material to all your friends and family.
Don’t panic! Report the incident to authorities and the dating site immediately. Remember, you did nothing wrong by trusting someone. The scammer is at fault.
The “Catfishing” Scam
Just like the name suggests, the scammer uses fake photos and made up details to trick you into thinking they are someone they’re not.
They might claim to be a model, in the military, or a successful business person to keep you from asking too many questions about their background. After building an online relationship, they start asking for money or high-priced gifts.
Always do a reverse image search on any photos and ask specific questions about details given to spot a faker. And never send money or share personal information with someone you haven’t video chatted with.
Safety Tips for Senior Online Dating
Now that you know how to avoid falling for common online scams, here are some tips to keep in mind for safe senior dating:
- Take things slow getting to know new love interests online before meeting up. Don’t rush into anything.
- Run background checks and search people’s names online. Make sure details given match up.
- Don’t include specific financial or contact info in your dating profile.
- Conduct video chats to validate someone’s identity before meeting in person.
- Meet first dates in public locations and avoid isolated areas.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended to prevent tampering.
- Inform friends and family about your date plans for accountability.
- Don’t send money or share financial details with online loves.
- Beware sob stories about sick relatives, legal troubles, or business investments.
- Report suspicious activity or faked profiles to the dating site immediately.
Best Senior Dating Sites for Finding Love
Now that we got those pesky scammers out of the way, let’s focus on legitimate senior dating sites to help you find friendship, romance and love!
Silver Singles
Exclusively for the 50+ crowd, Silver Singles has over 800,000 active members. Sign up is free and includes taking a personality test to get matched with compatible seniors in your area. One of the most reputable senior dating sites around.
Website: silversingles.com
Our Time
With over 2 million UK members ages 50 and up, Our Time is quickly becoming the go-to dating site for British seniors.
Browse local profiles, attend virtual gatherings, take fun quizzes and more for free. One of the safest ways for older Brits to meet someone online.
Website: ourtime.co.uk
Elite Singles
For the sophisticated gentleman and refined lady, Elite Singles has discerning 50+ singles looking for serious relationships.
Sign up includes an in-depth personality test so matches lead to meaningful connections. Used by over 700,000 European seniors monthly.
Website: elitesingles.eu
eHarmony Senior Dating
Known for intricate matching based on core values and beliefs, eHarmony now has a senior dating section.
Complete a comprehensive survey to get matched with like-minded Aussies 50+. One of the best senior dating sites in Australia.
Website: eharmony.com/senior-dating
Final Thoughts
In the world of online dating, watch out for romance scammers targeting seniors. Protect your heart and wallet from the senior dating scams.
Stay cautious, verify identities, and never send money to strangers. Report suspicious activity and use reputable sites for a safe and genuine search for love.
So shake off those online dating blues, friends! Just use good judgment, never send money to strangers, and stick to reputable sites.
With millions of genuine seniors also seeking friendship, romance and love, your soulmate is waiting. Happy fishing!