Online Dating: Is It Love or A Nigerian Scam?

As if online dating isn’t hard enough, someone’s aunt in the Reductress office has alerted us to the alarming possibility of being scammed via online dating websites. How do you know if his request for money for his mother’s operation is an elaborate lie, or a test to see if you’re a reliable partner? Here are some red flags that might make you think twice:

If he seems polite…

Avoid any message that starts “How are you?” We all know most guys won’t be sending long thoughtful messages. They’re way too busy bagging chicks! If this guy is legit, he won’t start out with a nicety. He’ll go straight for the sex proposal.

If he responds promptly…

He’s not playing any games? He answers questions in your email then responds with ones about you? Puh-leeze! Over eager is a major red flag. Normal guys are out bagging chicks, not crafting perfect reply messages to you.

If he read your profile…

He’s digging for information on how to scam you. Hot guys don’t have time to read your profile — they’re too busy bagging chicks. You run marathons and he’d love to run one with you? He’s just subtly luring you in before he starts plying you for money.

If he plans the first date…

He wants to meet you and his Friday is free? Sorry scammer, Friday nights are prime “bagging chicks night” over here in the U.S of A. We caught you!

Some scammers are craftier than others. Here are some ‘pink flags’ for when to think twice….

If he asks you to wire money…

This one’s tough. Many guys are too busy bagging chicks to hold down a real job so they will ask anyone for money. I say give it to him and if he asks for more within three days seriously consider not giving him more.

If he asks for your bank account and S.S numbers…

Maybe he was burned by almost marrying a U.S citizen in the past! This is a reasonable request. At least he has no commitment issues! You don’t know his journey and the honeymoon period is no time to judge.

If he uses incorrect grammar…

Most guys were too busy bagging chicks in High School to go to any of their classes. This is a sign that he knows how to text and will respond to yours.

If he gives you a yahoo address…

Maybe he is a Nigerian scammer and yahoo doesn’t have the same outbox restrictions or maybe he was too busy bagging chicks to make the switch to Gmail. Proceed with caution.

So remember, the next time a guy requests money via your online dating profile, it’s worth considering. He might be a Nigerian scammer, or he just might be a hottie worth chasing.