Here are a few things to look out for when checkingout a potential lonely heart fraudster: 
• Did they express feelings quickly? If they said they love you before you met or claimed to have an intense connection in a short span of time, that’s suspicious. 
They may start by asking for personal information that’s useful in stealing your identity. Your mother’s maiden name, where you were born or your first pet are all common security question answers.
• Do they need money for an emergency? Be suspicious of anyone who asks you for financial help, no matter what. 
Common lies are they need money for a sick relative, a funeral, a short-term loan for airfare or they are in the service overseas and need to fly home.
• Do they want to chat off the dating site? Often scammers convince their victims to leave the dating or social media sites they met on. They will want to use personal email or talk by phone. 
Set up a separate email or messaging app for dating and social media. Don’t use your accounts for banking or other important personal matters.
• Do they always cancel plans? If someone you met online makes plans to visit you but always needs to cancel at the last minute, be wary. Even if the person seems to have a good reason like a traumatic life event or family emergency - be suspicious. Often when a scammer cancels plans they ask you for a short-term loan.
Next: Handling romance scammers