Marketplace, jobs, rentals and romance · stamped ROMANCE

The date who wants a deposit firstROMANCE

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
TTinder×
https://tinder.com/app/messages
K3Kate, 31Matched on Tinder
hey! still on for drinks Friday?9:41
yes! where?9:42
How about The Copper Pot on 5th at 7? I'll grab us a table by the window9:42
Message Kate, 31
ScamROMANCE
TTinder×
https://tinder.com/app/messages
J2Jasmine, 26Matched on Tinder
hey handsome 😘 still want to come over tonight? its $200 for the hour9:41
yes! where?9:42
im close by 😘 but first i need a $100 booking deposit so i know you're serious. an Apple gift card is fine. then i send you my address9:42
Message Jasmine, 26

Always check the deposit.

A match who will see you tonight for $200, but only after a $100 "booking deposit" in gift cards. Pay it and there is another fee, then another, and no one ever shows up.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

Kate, a match on Tinder.

Jasmine, also a match on Tinder.

2What it asks you to doCheck firstDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Meet at a bar, in public, and each of you gets there yourselves.

A $100 "booking deposit" in Apple gift cards before you get an address.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

Friday, at a time that suits you.

Tonight, "so I know you're serious".

RememberNever pay a deposit to meet someone from an app. Gift cards to "prove you're serious" are always a scam.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

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