Dating in later life
Whether you’re separated, bereaved, or have been single for some time, it’s never too late to start a new relationship.
Dating websites and apps can be a great way to meet someone from the comfort of your own home, but some scammers use these platforms to win people's trust and take their money. If you're online dating, read these tips so you know how to spot a catfish.
A catfish is someone who sets up a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for love, usually to get money out of them.
Watch out for these behaviours to avoid relationship scams and catfish.
Someone asking for personal information, like your full name, address, date of birth or bank details.
They're telling you they love you, but you've only been talking for a couple of days or weeks. Someone who quickly suggests talking by email, text or phone rather than via the platform where you met them.
You've searched their name on the internet but they don't seem to exist. Or they do, but the photos don't match the photos on their dating profile. Someone who only tells you vague details about themselves, and nothing that can be fact-checked.
Emotional stories in which someone asks for money, for example claiming that they’ve fallen on hard times or that their relative is ill. Someone asking for money in order to come and visit you because they live far away.
Someone asking you to keep the relationship secret or trying to isolate you from your friends or family.
Even if they live in another country, there are lots of ways to meet them online, such as Skype and Facetime. If they're avoiding showing you their face, this could be a sign that they're not who they say they are.
Watch out for inconsistencies in people's stories, and if something doesn't make sense, ask about it.
There are things you can do to help avoid relationship scams and catfish:
If you’ve lost money in a relationship scam or you think you’ve been targeted, report it to Action Fraud, either by visiting their website or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
You should also report them on the app or website that you met them on.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
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