HOW TO STOP IT HAPPENING TO YOU

1 DO use internet tools and websites like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye.com to check profile pictures. 2 DON’T trust anyone who tells you not to tell others about them. 3 DO cross-check details with other social media sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook. 4 DON’T be tempted away from the dating site. Software can pick up key phrases in a conversation and shut down a scammer’s profile. So they often suggest other messaging services.

5 DO be wary of early declarations of love. It’s called ‘love bombing’ and is a known tactic.

6 DON’T reveal any financial details and do report any requests for money immediately to the dating website.

7 DO be wary of profile pictures showing a man in a military uniform. It’s the commonest trope of catfishing.

8 DON’T carry on communicating if it doesn’t ‘feel right’.