I will have to say, my ability to sniff out a scammer on line has increased tenfold during the pandemic. I think that is mostly because I have more time to communicate with these trolls. There are so many ways to detect their nonsense, but, it always starts with pictures that seem like they are a little too staged, closely followed by communication where English is not their first language.
I don't know why they think they can trick someone who lives in the town that they are claiming to live in too, but they do! Here is the most recent example:
The basic info in his profile: 4 staged pictures, 50 years old, located in Chicago, looking for chatting, friendship, something casual, long term relationship.
Scammer: You made me smile going through your beautiful pictures your eyes are so...cute they compete with the stars.
Sue here with my immediate thought - so cheesy! Generally speaking, Chicago guys don't talk this way.
Sue: Thank you. Where do you live in Chicago? I am in the city.
Scammer: I'm from Chicago Illinois but currently working in Canada Toronto. Where do you live?
Sue here - no one who is familiar with Toronto says Canada Toronto. And, I just told you where I live.
Scammer: I work as an independent Drilling contractor with the carin energy plc company Canadian Beaufort sea I'm into drilling base on the engine department.
Sue: Shouldn't you be looking for girls in Canada?
Scammer: Like I said I'm looking for a serious relationship a woman who we love me as will. That's why I would like to know more about you.
Sue: I am looking for someone local where we can actually meet in person.
Scammer: Okay. Let chat on FB messenger.
Sue here - no way am I going on FB messenger because then he will know my last name.
Sue: If we can't meet in person, what is the point?
Scammer: I live in Chicago Illinois
Sue: You just said you live in Toronto. Where do you live in Chicago?
Scammer: I mean I'm from Chicago Illinois.
Sue: Where in Chicago?
Scammer: Illinois USA
Sue here - when asked where you live in Chicago, no one says Chicago Illinois. Let alone, USA. That is all understood.
Sue: What neighborhood?
Scammer goes dark for a couple of days. I was with a friend and told her this story and we thought we should have more fun with him.
Sue: I am very intrigued to learn more about your handsome face.
Scammer: Me too. Are you on google hangouts. Let chat on google hangouts.
Sue: No. Not on it. You are a stranger to me. I want to know you better before we move off of this. Where did you grow up in Chicago?
Scammer: I was born and raised in downtown Chicago Illinois. But correctly working in Canada Toronto.
Sue here: All of the grammatical errors are just as he typed them.
Sue: What school did you go to?
Scammer: Chicago Illinois University.
Sue: There is no school here by that name. You are 100% not from Chicago. What kind of scam are you running?
Scammer never replies!
Lesson Learned: I need a hobby! I spend way too much of my time trying to waste their time. I truly hope no one out there falls for this!
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