“If you have a genuine connection with someone, a logical next step is to meet either in person or on a video call, ideally in person so you can get a sense of their behaviour,” she says.
She suggests: “Aside from checking that they are on other social media platforms, you can do a reverse image search through platforms such as TinEye, which checks whether the profiles listed on ‘their’ profile link back to different individuals – if the pictures don’t match up, question why this is.”.
“If your potential partner is asking you to send them money, take a step back to think about the full picture,” says Lenette.
“This can be a common tactic among romance fraudsters, as this lowers the chances of you having anyone to speak to about their odd behaviour or requests for money, as well as making you more dependent on them,” says Lenette.
According to recent research from Nationwide Building Society, two-fifths (41%) of singles are looking for love this February – but 44% would continue messaging someone they had met online even if something seemed off.
