Catch the Red Flags 🚩
Spotting Scams & Staying Safe Online
This Valentines Day Image Angel have teamed up with OneID to offer practical tips that help daters stay safe from scams, impersonation, and image misuse.
How Do Romance Scams Work?
Scammers operate with precision. They use love-bombing to create intense emotional connections quickly. They fabricate fake emergencies to manipulate victims into sending money. They use guilt, secrecy, and even blackmail to maintain control. Their goal isn’t love—it’s exploitation.
But you’re not powerless. There are ways to protect yourself, spot red flags, and use technology to stay safe.
Romance scammers know how to build trust fast. They often:
- Create fake profiles using stolen photos and false identities.
- Love-bomb early in the relationship, showering you with affection and making big promises.
- Avoid video calls or in-person meetings, making excuses about travel or work.
- Push secrecy, asking you to keep the relationship private.
- Invent financial crises, claiming they need help with medical bills, business investments, or family emergencies.
It’s easy to think “I’d never fall for that”, but these scams work because they exploit emotions, not logic.
Scams work because they exploit emotions, not logic.
Red flags to watch our for:
🚩 They profess love too soon. Scammers move fast, claiming deep feelings within days or weeks.
🚩 They refuse to video chat or meet in person. They’ll always have an excuse.
🚩 They create a crisis that requires money. This could be medical bills, visa issues, or family emergencies.
🚩 They ask for private images. Some scammers collect intimate photos and later use them for sextortion.
🚩 Their social media presence is limited or inconsistent. Scammers often steal images from real people, so reverse image searches may reveal multiple profiles using the same photos.
If something feels off, trust your gut. Love should never come with pressure, secrecy, or financial demands.
Protect Yourself: Check for Safety Tech Before You Share
Beyond staying vigilant, technology can help you stay safe. Before sharing personal images or engaging with someone new, check if the platform is using safety tools designed to protect you:
Image Angel’s Invisible Watermarking
This technology embeds a hidden, traceable watermark in images at the server level, making it possible to track unauthorized sharing. If a scammer tries to distribute your images, there’s a way to identify misuse and take action.
OneID for Secure Identity Verification
Many scammers hide behind fake identities, but OneID lets users verify who they are safely using online banking.This makes it harder for scammers to operate undetected. If a platform isn’t using identity verification tools, ask why.
By using platforms that prioritize safety, you take control of your digital life. If a site isn’t working to protect you, it’s time to rethink using it.
Awareness is Best
Romance scams and intimate image abuse are not the victim’s fault. These crimes work because scammers exploit trust, emotions, and technology—but the more we talk about these risks, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
🛡️ Be skeptical of fast-moving relationships online.
🔍 Use safety tools to verify identities and protect images.
🚫 Never send money or images under pressure.
And most importantly, if you or someone you know has been targeted, report it. You’re not alone, and support is available.
