Stranger Danger

However, the definition of “stranger” can be broad in the world of online dating. After hours of messaging followed by lengthy phone chats, we usually feel like we know the people we are meeting. But do we? 

Unfortunately, online dating has become so common that we often toss this concept to the wayside. Let’s face it -- we all know stories of happily married couples who met online, so we hope for a similar result. 

That said, not taking necessary precautions can open the door to more than murder. Theft and scams are another reality that online daters face. Take, for instance, the story of Jennifer Billingsly (name changed for privacy). 

Billingsly was ecstatic when she met a seemingly nice gentleman online. Messaging turned into long, erotic phone conversations. She was sure that she had finally met her match. 

But a big surprise would soon be revealed. 

An African, Billingsly’s loving boyfriend claimed that he was planning to move to America. However, he needed a little “help.” That help was money. The lending of a few hundred dollars turned into thousands of dollars. 

Within a few months, she began to catch on to the game. It was then that she decided to do a little research. Billingsly called her suitor’s work, determined to find out more information.