9 tips to help you spot a Tinder Swindler
What was your first thought soon after watching the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler? Let me guess: “How will I ever trust someone?”
If you think so, you are not alone.
The documentary showed us how conman Simon Leviev managed to swindle oodles of money from his Tinder matches. The scamster also managed to evade jail many times.
The Tinder Swindler has made everyone think about their choices on dating apps, social media platforms and even in real life. Not just in terms of money; it is in general wise to check and re-check on people you’ve met on dating apps or social media.
If you are wondering how to do the investigation, we have some tips for you (straight from that person of the group who do the background verification of their best friend’s new match). These might help you stop a romance scam right in the tracks, before people like Simon Leviev get the better of you.
A GUIDE TO KEEP ROMANCE SCAMS AT BAY
1. GOOGLE IT
As The Tinder Swindler taught us, the first thing you do is: Google. Search for the person on Google. Carefully read all the information you get. Probably it will give you access to all social media accounts of the person.
2. CHECK ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES
If you’ve met someone on a dating app, do not jump to WhatsApp immediately. Check all the social media accounts of the person. Take note of the information shared on each. Check whether they match on each platform or not.
If you are suspicious of any image or post, you can do a quick search of the images on Google Images with the right keywords.
3. DO NOT FORGET LINKEDIN
It is important to check the LinkedIn profile of the person too. It will give you access to their educational background, work experience, connections and more.
4. STALK... ERR... RESEARCH THE FAMILY/FRIENDS
You will definitely find family members and friends tagged in some or the other. Take a look at their profiles too. It will help you know the person better.
5. THINK BEFORE SHARING TOO MUCH
A person involved in a romance scam is more likely to ask you personal questions real quick. Avoid doing that unless you know the person for quite some time.
Do not share any sensitive information. Also, do not forget to ask the required questions. After some time, you should at least know the person’s friend circle, family members, who do what and more.
6. AVOID EXCHANGE OF MONEY
Most conmen/women are likely to create urgency in order to get some money. It is highly advised to avoid any kind of money transfer or exchange, especially during the initial stages.
If you have recently watched The Tinder Swindler and Gehraiyaan, both have given you enough reasons why you should not involve money exchange in relationships.
7. KEEP YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY IN THE LOOP
Try not to fall into a trap without anyone knowing about it. It is better to keep your friends or family members in the loop.
Let the investigator of your group do a background check. Share details with your friends or close family member. So, even if you are blindly in love, your well-wisher will help you sniff out the dal mein kaala.
8. FIND YOUR ANSWERS
Watch out for certain warning signs:
- The person is trying to create a gap between you and your loved ones
- He/she is too interested in your financial matters too soon
- He/she is restricting you from sharing details about your relationship with your friends and family
- He/she is afraid of announcing your relationship on social media
- He/she makes a lot of excuses
- He/she asks inappropriate questions and pictures
9. DO NOT BUILD A DREAMLAND INSTANTLY
Romance scammers are more likely to make big promises very soon. They will express love within a short span of time. This is their trick to get your personal details ASAP.
So, before you fall for those promises, think twice (you know, like Kehndi Hundi Si). Tell them that you need time and want to take it slow.
These are a few basics you must know that can help you spot a romance scammer (with no intentions to spoil your current relationship). Hope these help you avoid falling for a Tinder Swindler.