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Ahhh, silence, we all appreciate it occasionally. No one is home, you can do whatever you want and be alone. But personally, after a bit, I start looking at the clock and think “when is my husband coming home? I want company.” For many people, including seniors, being alone and having silence is an unwanted part of daily life. Being out of the workforce, not in constant contact with people, it can be hard to meet others. The popularity of online dating not only attracts twenty-somethings, many older adults are jumping online and looking for fun, friendship, an activity partner or possibly for romance. Whatever the reason, the popularity and ease of online dating has many people excited. But like so many other things, there can be fraud in this courting practice of the 21st century.

The scenario works like this, you connect with someone, emails are exchanged, things get personal and BAM! The next thing you know, they need money from you. Folks, it happens more often than you would think. At first it might be a couple hundred dollars for medical bills or to help a sick relative, but after they get you hooked with their promises of love and companionship, they will dig in deep. At ElderWatch, we have received calls from people who have lost thousands of dollars from this type of scam. Don’t let it happen to you.

Some of the most common reasons they give you for needing money and help are:
• They want to meet you but they don't have enough money to travel to see you;
• They have been robbed and beaten, and require urgent surgery or treatment for a serious illness;
• They or their family member has been a victim of a serious or fatal accident and you are the only person who can help;
• They are stranded abroad and don't have money for travel or visa costs.
• Almost always, they will ask you to send money using an untraceable source such as an electronic money transfer.

The scammers are good, they know how to turn your desire for attention and love into big business for them. I’m not saying don’t use online dating and sit in your house alone waiting for your soul mate to just show up at your door, but don’t be a cliché and become “a FOOL in love.”