How Can I Find Out if the Person I’m Texting with is Really Who They Say They Are?

Plenty of us have experienced the awkward situation where someone we’re chatting with online turns out to be a bot or even a scammer. Here are some tips to help ensure you’re engaging with a real, genuine person and not falling for common online scams.

Beware of Requests for Money

The golden rule is that no one should ask you for money through a text or online communication. If this is your first interaction with a person or even if you’ve been chatting for a month, if they request money, you should stop immediately and block them.

Here’s why:

Scammers use various tactics to make you feel comfortable or isolated so they can eventually make you give them money or sensitive information. No one can truly trust a person they’ve never met in person, especially when they’ve only communicated via text or online. Be cautious if you feel lonely or desperate; this can make you more vulnerable to scams.

Additionally, if they send you pictures, these may not necessarily be from the person themselves. Use search engines like Google to verify the person’s identity.

Verify the Person’s Identity

Online scams can be complex, but there are a few key pointers to watch out for that can help:

Be wary of overly good-looking profiles. Often, scammers will create profiles that seem too perfect or too good to be true. Use video chat tools like FaceTime or Google Chat to see if the person can move their lips. If they can, you're likely chatting with a real human. Check the length and depth of the person’s online history. If the profile seems very recent or only has non-familiar friends, it could be a red flag. Be skeptical of military profiles, as our deployment sites are not appropriate places for dates.

If you’re concerned about the authenticity of a profile, don’t hesitate to ask your own questions and request more verification. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Be Proactive in Cyber Security

Preventing online scams requires a proactive approach. Here’s what you can do:

Be wary of anyone asking for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, banking details, or other personal information. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and consider using two-factor authentication. Install reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date. Practice safe internet habits and be cautious of websites that look suspicious or too good to be true.

By staying vigilant and aware, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of online scams.

Conclusion

Online communication can be both exciting and daunting. However, by following these steps and staying informed, you can enjoy your online interactions while safeguarding yourself from potential scams. Remember, it's better to be cautious and verify identities than to regret not having done so.