Sweetheart Scams: How to Avoid Being a Victim
Published: 21 February 2025
More than 6,700 people over 60 lost $367 million to sweetheart scams in 2023. NCOA's essential guide reveals why the pandemic made things worse—virtual dating gave scammers perfect excuses to avoid meeting. Learn to recognize 'love bombing,' the overwhelming flattery that clouds judgment, and discover why that person who keeps canceling plans probably isn't stuck at work. From spotting fake profiles to protecting yourself from sextortion, this article arms you with strategies scammers don't want you to know, plus exactly what to do if you realize you've been conned.
Romance Scams
Published: 19 August 2024
They're not just scammers—they're students of human nature who keep journals tracking your vulnerabilities. The FBI reveals the disturbing truth about romance fraud criminals who infiltrate dating sites and social media, often posing as construction workers overseas. If someone you've never met needs your bank account information to 'deposit money,' you're about to become an unwitting accomplice in money laundering. Learn why that too-perfect match is probably rehearsed, discover the questions that make scammers uncomfortable, and find out how to report suspicious activity to ic3.gov before you become a statistic.
How to be better at online dating, according to psychology
Published: 16 March 2019
Can algorithms really predict love? A Harvard professor who studies relationships says no—and explains why. NBC News reveals the surprising truth: profiles can't tell you if you'll laugh together, communicate well, or feel like better people around each other. Yet online dating works for millions. This article shares research-backed secrets for success, from the photo angles that attract quality matches to why you should never chat for more than two weeks before meeting. If online dating feels like work instead of fun, you're doing it wrong—here's how to fix it.