Scammers know that millions of people use online dating apps and they are on the apps as well. They are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable, but they have hidden motives that can cause you harm and put you in dangerous situations. Tourists can often be targeted through location-based dating apps on their phone and when they meet another user, they are sometimes assaulted and robbed. In order to protect your safety and security, the Embassy urges extreme caution before meeting in-person with someone that you have connected virtually through a dating app. There are many different types of scams, but they all share a common goal: monetary gain for the scammers. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and learn more about International Financial Scams by visiting travel.state.gov.
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