Someone Offered to Help You or a Friend Make Money. Questions to Ask:
Are you sexually attracted to this person?
Are they of the gender you’re attracted to? Even if you’re already in a committed relationship, sex appeal is a big factor in scamming. Even if the relationship doesn’t seem to be based around sexual attraction, it plays a part.
Have you met them in person? How recently?
Even if you know it’s a real person, their social media profile could have been compromised. If you haven’t met them in person, try to set up a meet. Are they full of excuses? Example: They can’t meet this week, their father is very ill and they went to stay with them. They’re based overseas. It’s just not a good time right now. But they can still chat with you for long period of time online!
Are they constantly stroking your ego and finding things you have in common?
That’s designed to make you feel good about them and yourself – and it is by design. You’ve had cancer? Me too! Wasn’t it a horrible experience? How fantastic that you’ve come through it so well! You’re a really strong person.
Did you give them advice or do them a non-monetary favor? Even a small one?
This is a huge scammer red flag. People are more willing to like and trust people they’ve done a favor for, even something very small, like referring them to a website. Scammers know that and exploit it. Example: scammers hit a photography forum looking for help resurrecting a corrupt thumb drive, supposedly with a client’s wedding photos.
Are they making it seem like the relationship is your idea?
Another tried-and-true scammer tactic.
How long have you known them?
Scammers can spend many weeks, months, or even YEARS setting up a scam. As they’re setting you up to drain your bank account, any amount of time is a good investment in their eyes. Known them for years before the pitch? Doesn’t matter, it still may be a scam.