How to spot a Scammer

We work really hard to ensure that Muddy Matches is dating website for genuine country-minded people and to prevent scammers from joining the website.

We even have a real (in-house) customer care team checking through every profile and photo that is sent through to us s nothing beats experience when it comes to spotting a scammer.

However, if you use a variety of online dating websites, it is important to be aware of how to identify a scammer and what to do if you are suspicious.

This list is not extensive and each sign does not necessarily mean that someone is a scammer, but it should help you to identify common factors.

They are drop dead gorgeous

Their profile picture is picture perfect and looks like a celebrity’s headshot with perfect lighting and a glowing smile. Female scammers are likely to wear skimpy clothing, like tight dresses, or short shorts and often show highly sexualised poses.

Hyper feminine/masculine

Scammer men often choose stereo-typically male professions for their profile, for example they might say that they are in the army, or that they are oil rig engineers.

Female scammers are likely to choose caring professions like nursing, or working with children.

Overly keen

To a scammer you are the single most gorgeous person in the entire world and they will not hesitate to tell you how wonderful and attractive you are. A scammer will go beyond the normal level of flattery, for example a normal message would say ‘I really like your profile and you look very attractive in your photo’. However, a scammer might say something more extreme like, ‘You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, your eyes are like the glistening sea and your smile could light up the darkest of skies. It would be honour to meet with you’.

Sob story

Scammers often try to lure in their victims with a sad story. For example, they may say their former partner cheated on them when they were caring for a sick relative.

What to do

The most important thing to do is to never ever send money to someone who you have been communicating with.

Don’t give away personal details straight away and try to use the website’s secure messaging service until you are ready to meet in person.

If you are at all suspicious about someone’s profile, or their behaviour, you should contact the website administrator so that they can investigate the situation.