Internet dating sites could lead to consumer being scammed

The Office of Fair Trading has recently warned that broadband users that tend to use Internet sites and similar sites to meet people need to be wary of scammers that target these sites.

With so many households now having access to broadband services the process of meeting new people has been revolutionised. Whereas in the past people would have gone to dating agencies or scoured the lonely hearts classifieds in the newspaper many people now use the Internet and the many dating websites that are available via the Internet.

Whilst dating sites can be a great way to meet people there is also a danger that has been identified recently by the Office of Fair Trading, which has been warning lonely hearts that are looking on online dating sites about exercising caution when it comes to the fraudsters that target people using these sites.

In many cases these fraudsters have used the sites to get to know someone that is looking for a relationship, and after gaining their trust have asked for money for one of a number of reasons from paying for treatment for an illness or starting a project to travelling to come and see the person because they do not have the money themselves.

An official from the OFT stated: ‘Dating scammers are particularly ruthless as they abuse the emotional trust and attachments that people invest when looking to meet someone.’ People are being warned that whilst dating sites can be perfectly fine to use they should be cautious if anyone asks them for money.

Source – This Is Money