State offers tips to avoid online dating scams

NASHVILLE — With a drastic growth in the number of people looking for love online, state officials are offering tips to help consumers avoid scams associated with online dating.

Several warning signs those using online dating services may see could indicate a scam, according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The warning signs include:

• The individual wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal e-mail or IM accounts.
• The individual claims instant feelings of love.
• The individual claims to be from the United States but currently overseas.
• The individual claims he or she is planning to visit but is unable to do so because of a tragic event.
• The individual asks for money to pay for travel, visas or other travel documents, medication, a child or other relative’s hospital bills, recovery from a temporary financial setback, or expenses while a big business deal comes through.
• The individual makes multiple requests for more money.

The release also includes a list of tips to consider when dating online, including to never send anyone money and to research dating websites or mobile apps before using them.

To see the full news release including the complete list of tips, click here.