Don’t let scammers steal your heart and money this Valentine’s Day.

"It’s a match!"

These three magical words are what many hope to see on their dating apps, especially around Valentine’s Day. It means they might not be spending the holiday on their own, saving them from a solo dinner and endless swiping while friends celebrate with their partners.

A poll by dating app Bumble of 1,000 single men and women aged 18 to 41 in Singapore last year found that more than one in five feel the pressure to be coupled up during the love fest. Their desperation to find a partner could make them more vulnerable to internet love scams.

The popularity of dating apps, coupled with the growing trend of meeting people online, has made it easier for scammers to fool victims into thinking they are knights (or dames) in shining armour.

Whether it is through dating apps, Facebook or Instagram, scammers often try to gain trust before spinning a sob story and asking for money as proof of love.

Here’s how to protect yourself from becoming a cautionary tale while pursuing your happily ever after.

Spot the tell-tale signs

Controlling behaviours, narcissism or constant jealousy are some common dating red flags. Similarly, there are things that should set alarm bells ringing when you meet someone online.

For instance, if they always make excuses for not being able to video call or meet in person, it is your cue to cut off contact. Some would even set a date and time to meet, only to cancel at the last minute.

Requests for your personal or financial information, should set those alarm bells ringing. Never share such information or reveal confidential account and internet banking credentials to anyone.

Frequent inconsistencies in their stories are another warning sign that you are talking to someone with malicious intentions as it indicates dishonesty and a lack of sincerity.

According to ScamAlert, the scam advisory from the National Crime Prevention Council, scammers may also send you luxury goods or cash gifts to gain your trust. Do not fall for such over-the-top displays of affection, especially from someone you barely know.

Think with your head, not just your heart

Although dating is fuelled by emotions, it is important to stay vigilant and level-headed.

Many scammers spend extended periods “grooming” their victims, establishing a connection and building trust before asking for money. In a local case, a 45-year-old gig worker only became suspicious of the person she was speaking to after he asked for payments following weeks of conversation.

Always think with your head and not your heart, at least until you can verify their identity and build genuine trust. ScamAlert suggests that you insist on a live video call or cross-check their name through an online image search for starters.

No matter how convincing their pleas may be, you should never give money to anyone you have yet to meet offline or provide your personal information and internet banking credentials – neither should you accept money or gifts from them.

The Singapore Police Force also warns against clicking on any suspicious web links provided. When in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or alternative sources.

For more tips, check out Maybank’s “Let's Lay Off Scammers” Campaign.

the bottom line:

Protect your heart and hard-earned money from love scammers who may try to exploit your emotions this Valentine’s Day.

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