'I've matched with four men on dating apps - they were all scammers'

Article excerpt

Julie Osgood, grieving the loss of her partner of 38 years to Covid, turned to dating apps to rebuild her life, only to encounter scammers in four consecutive matches. Each man she connected with deployed romance fraud tactics, a growing problem that preys on vulnerable people seeking companionship. Now Osgood is sharing her experience to warn others about the red flags: inconsistent stories, reluctance to video call, and requests for money. Her cautionary account underscores how dating platforms have become hunting grounds for fraudsters who exploit loneliness and emotional need.