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Why I Report Scammers on Dating Websites

Romance scams can't derail her belief in the power of love

By Kati Reijonen

 

(This article appeared previously on HuffingtonPost50.com.)

After decades of being hobby-less, I am happy to announce that I now have a hobby: I report scammers on dating websites.

It might not be as fun a hobby as, say, collecting stamps or crocheting decorative covers for cushions, but it is rather satisfying nevertheless, in a flapping flies kind of way.

I came up with this hobby when I discovered a phenomenon I had not been aware of: romance scams. This was when I had just started experimenting with online dating. I had no idea that the dating sites are not only havens for love-seeking souls; they are also jungles of predators who want to take advantage of the love-seeking souls.

I have come across all sorts of oddities. You might wonder how a person can get through a medical school with a dysphasia so serious he cannot construct one proper sentence in readable English. When I read these profiles, decorated with red flags to a point that red is all I see, the evil side of me goes rogue. Once I asked a “brain doctor” what his take was on consciousness. After a while I got a detailed account on the topic — freshly copied from Wikipedia. I know because I checked. Aww, cute, I thought. He thinks he can get away with such a little effort.

The sad truth is that they often do. Otherwise scamming would not be such a huge industry as it obviously is, given that around 80 percent messages I receive come from wherever they fabricate the fake profiles.

Not all of the scammers are lazy, though. Once I bumped into an Italian architect who had a fancy website. It was late at night and my eyes were tired, so I almost swallowed the story. Next morning, I took a closer look at the beautiful photos of his various glorious interior design projects. I Googled the images and learned that they were all downloaded from real estate agencies' websites. His “team” consisted of professionals working all over the world in different companies. I was in awe. He was a scammer, but he scammed with style.

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The following example is from a real message that entered my inbox at OkCupid:

“i am an Italian man living and working here since 3 years , i work here as an architect and i am into building constructions and Interior designs , i am widowed and i have 1 son he is 18 years , and he lives and schools in the united states. my hobbies are cooking , swimming, skiing , camping , golfing, wine tasting and a lot more , i am a one woman Man, and i am not into playing games. i am a good and romantic man searching for true love ,.please tell me about your self . how long have you been using online dating? any good experience ? i will be waiting to read from you soon”

I mean, really!

If I was ever to meet a scammer in person, I would give him a hug. I would say it´s going to be OK. And then we would meditate together, to access that place within, where there is only goodness and love. He probably would continue scamming even after that, but I would feel so much better. Forgiveness is such a powerful mood booster.

If you come across a scammer, here´s what I suggest: Welcome the experience as a great opportunity to practice Metta — loving kindness meditation. Send wishes of love, well-being, prosperity and kindness to the poor souls who, for one reason or another, have ended up making bad decisions.

Remember to send those wishes to yourself, too. Make peace with what is. And then go on with your life.

Love will find you eventually, and that is something no one can take away from you.

Kati Reijonen is a writer, blogger and a not-always-so-mindful meditation teacher. Read More
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