Zenmanship: Great Resources for Online Dating Scam Detection

Being educated is the best way to protect yourself. Below are some warning signs you should be on the lookout for, followed by some websites to check out:

Now remember, some of these on their own are perfectly innocent and normal, however in the context of other suspicious behaviour keep an eye out!! Don't give out any personal information until you have met the person LIVE and start to form a real relationship. Of course NEVER give out financial information! Never, ever, ever!!! If someone needs your help, make the purchase on their behalf, but never give anyone access to your accounts. A real friend would never ask!

Quickly want to move from the online site to an IM program
No picture posted on their ad on the dating site - since it's not their photo the more people who see it, the greater the chance of being outed!
Professional looking photos, almost none in a natural/casual setting
Early discussion about finances and/or credit cards that seem in context
"Too good to be true" - looks, personality, level of interest or feelings
Asking a lot about you but not offering a lot about them
Odd times that they come online and don't tend to stay on long (someone who's interested could spend hours chatting)
May provide a phone number but doesn't answer when you call and voicemail doesn't identify the person
Asks what part of town you live in
Asks your last name
Sob story of some sort to gain your sympathy
Poor English/typing skills
They have a way of finding your weakness/needs/interests, and playing on them. Notice how the second guy said he had just got back from golf. The first interest listed in my profile is golf! Hmmmm