Finding Love online

 "I am a very fortunate person to have consulted Brigid when I was entangled in an online affair, she saved me from making a huge monetary mistake."

 
Every week, I receive frantic calls from individuals who have a nagging feeling that something isn't quite right in their situations. The world of online dating is booming, with billions of dollars circulating within the industry. In New Zealand alone, online scams have amounted to over $25 million, with a staggering $4 million attributed to romance scams, a figure nearly equivalent to our population.
Despite our innate intuition, which often serves as a reliable warning system, why is it that we tend to overlook these signals when it comes to matters of the heart?
The answer often lies in the potent mix of loneliness and the desire to feel wanted, which creates a ripe breeding ground for narcissistic individuals to thrive. Despite the blaring alarms, we convince ourselves that we're misinterpreting the signs and press on, eagerly lapping up the reassuring words of our potential partners.
However, it's crucial to recognise the common tactics employed by scammers, as reported by countless victims:

• They declare their love prematurely, without even meeting you in person.
• They fabricate sudden emergencies, claiming to be financially stranded and promising reimbursement once their banking issues are resolved.
• They push for exclusivity by requesting your phone number and urging you to leave the dating site.
• They consistently evade video calls, offering excuses or simply ignoring your requests.
• They make elaborate plans to meet up, yet conveniently fail to show up time and time again.

It's imperative to heed your intuition. If you find yourself emotionally entangled with an online acquaintance, consider taking a step back. Disconnect from the platform for a week or longer, severing all contact to allow yourself space to clear the toxic energy surrounding the situation.
Above all, don't hesitate to confide in someone you trust. Opening up about your experiences can provide invaluable support and perspective, helping you navigate the complexities of online dating safely and confidently.​ 

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