By: Natasha Archary
By now most people are aware of the Tinder Swindler, Simon Leviev. The gripping Netflix documentary detailed how a conman swindled women for millions of dollars.
Luring his unsuspecting victims on the dating app Tinder, the deceptive swindler has highlighted several red flags to watch for.
Online dating was often thought to be a fun way to meet new people but now, the documentary has left many weary about navigating dating apps.
There are however, many red flags that Simon alerted us to but we’ll cover 5 key things to be on the lookout for when weeding out the cons from the real online.
Simon says these are red flags
- High profile people are generally not on dating apps
For women to have believed that the heir to a diamond empire was on a dating app looking for love is unbelievable. Due to safety and security reasons, most billionaires keep a low profile, unless you’re Cassper Nyovest.
High profile people meet potential partners at events or on holiday in other parts of the world and don’t rely on a dating up to find love.
In order to protect their identity, wealth and personal life, they do not venture into online dating because it would be headline news all over the world.
- Travel pictures flood their profile
RUN! This says the person is not looking for something long-term or tangible. They’re looking for fun and don’t want to be tied down to any concrete. Consider them a nomad of the world.
People who travel extensively often do not have the time to be dedicated to a monogamous relationship. Their jetsetting lifestyle means they’re not always accessible to you.
- Love bombing
Once you’ve matched and the two of you start engaging in conversation via text, the love bombing starts instantaneously.
You’re quickly bombarded with how much they feel a connection and a declaration that they’re developing feelings happens too quickly.
No one moves that quickly in love anymore. People are more guarded with their feelings and protective of their mental health.
- An invitation out follows
What’s the rush to meet? You’re still getting to know each other and a physical meeting doesn’t have to happen right away. If someone pushes for a face to face too soon, it’s a red flag.
It means they want to get the meeting out of the way and you have to question why.
- Future faking
Apart from love bombing you, a Tinder Swindler will paint scenarios of a future with you, to lure you further into their elaborate trap.
Remember how Simon told his Cecilie to look for apartments because he wanted to settle down with her? Yup, within months too.
Future faking includes suggesting plans for a weekend away months down the line, so you believe the person is thinking about your relationship with a long-term view.
Keep your guard up when venturing out into the world of right and left swiping and trust your intuition when something feels off.
Also read: The Best T in the City: Why do girls fail to shoot their shot?
