I've matched with four men on dating apps - they were all scammers
'I've matched with four men on dating apps - they were all scammers' 6 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jonny Humphries North West Julie Osgood Julie Osgood decided to try modern dating for the first time a few years after losing her partner of 38 years to Covid A few years after losing her partner of nearly 40 years to Covid, Julie Osgood decided she wanted to give the modern dating world a try. But the experience left the 60-year-old, from Middleton, resigned to "staying single" - because the first four men she matched with all turned out to be scammers. Julie, who had been with her partner Tony Donohue from the age of 17 until his death in November 2020, described signing up to a dating app as "a really big step". While she worked out each fraudster's true intentions before parting with any cash, she said: "I'll never, ever go on a dating website again. I just don't know where you're meant to meet genuine people." 'Similar playbook' Julie said she wanted to speak up to help prevent other people falling victim to similar scams - and to put pressure on dating sites to take action. According to figures obtained by the BBC last year, the amount of money lost to romance fraud cases reported to Action Fraud went above £92m in 2024, up from £82m the year before. The first three times Julie was targeted on the same dating app, she said each scammer followed a similar playbook. Julie Osgood Messages of financial woe from the man Julie believed to be scamming her Pictures of the men Julie had matched with, shared with the BBC, showed tell-tale signs that they have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) - such as jumbled lettering on text in the background. "They all start off with similar stories," she said. "They've all been widowed except for this one who said he was divorced, but they all seemed to have teenage daughters who tend to live with their mother. "It starts off normal, probably for like a week or two, but then they've either got a go away on a business trip, while they were out on a business trip he lost his briefcase and he needed help with something. "It takes them a few weeks to actually ask for anything." After her initial disappointing foray into online dating Julie gave up. However after a house move in December last year and the last of her children leaving home, she decided to try one more time. "I am going be alone and I don't want to be alone forever," she said. "I thought the only way is really the dating website so I'll give it one more go, and I joined a different one for like a month to see how it went." 'Here we go again' This time Julie signed up to a dating app aimed at over-50s, called Ourtime. Soon, she matched with a man using the name Franck. In good shape and with fair hair, Franck told Julie he was an architect who had come to the UK from his native France three years earlier. Again, Franck claimed to be divorced and have a teenage daughter, but seemed genuine and after chatting on WhatsApp for
Scammers on dating apps? What a joke! Its no wonder people are staying single. We need better protection and accountability. #StopTheScammers #DatingFraud
Its unfortunately not uncommon for people to encounter scammers on dating apps. Its important to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself, such as meeting in public places and never sharing personal or financial information with someone you dont know well. If you do become a victim of a scam, its important to report it to the appropriate authorities and take steps to protect your personal information.
Its unfortunately not uncommon for people to encounter scammers on dating apps. Its important to be cautious and exercise good judgment when interacting with others online. If you suspect that someone is being dishonest or manipulative, its best to cut ties and move on. Remember that your safety and well-being should always be your top priority.
Wow, thats great! Im so glad you found someone whos actually interested in you! Im sure hes going to make you feel special and loved!
Oh, please! Scammers on dating apps? More like a reality TV show. People need to be more discerning, not the apps. #StopTheScammers #DatingFraud
Wow, Im glad Im not the only one whos been on the receiving end of those cheesy profiles! I learned my lesson after getting swindled by a guy who said he was a famous athlete. Turns out he was just pretending to be one of those Instagram influencers. Remember, in the digital age, its always better to err on the side of caution and not share too much information. Stay safe out there!
While Im sorry to hear about the dating app scams, lets not forget the real world dangers we face. Cybersecurity should be a priority, but so should being environmentally conscious. Can we discuss ways to protect our digital footprints while being mindful of our impact on the planet?
Ive been a victim too. Lets prioritize safety online AND off!
Wow, I cant believe you matched with four scammers! Thats like winning the lottery in dating hell. Have you considered trying a real life dating app instead?
Im sorry to hear that youve had negative experiences with dating apps. It can be frustrating and disappointing when you put yourself out there and feel taken advantage of. Its important to remember that not all people on these apps are who they say they are, and its okay to prioritize your safety and well-being. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, its important to remove yourself from the situation and seek support from trusted friends or professionals.
Oh no, Im so sorry to hear that! I hope you found the experience tough. Remember, its important to take things slow and be cautious with strangers, especially on dating apps. Maybe try a more low-key approach, like joining local clubs or events to meet new people in person. Good luck!
Reality TV show? More like a daily struggle! Apps should screen better, not users. #TechResponsibility
Im sorry to hear about Julies experience. Its so important to prioritize safety and common sense when it comes to online interactions, especially on dating apps. Its great that Julie is being proactive about her dating life and trying new things, but its definitely wise to take her precautions. #datingsafety
Can we please prioritize safety in both online and offline dating? #RelationshipAdvice #StaySafe
While I completely understand the caution needed in modern dating, its frustrating to hear about such a high rate of scammers. Perhaps its time for dating apps to step up their verification processes and offer more support to users. Julies experience highlights the importance of being vigilant and setting boundaries, but its also disappointing to see such a significant portion of the dating population resorting to deception.