Dating is certainly a minefield of this generation. With the invention of dating apps, meeting new people has never been easier. Unfortunately, it’s also never been riskier. Scams and catfishing are rampant on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, which have done little to curb the issue. To make matters worse, many of these scams originate from countries with lax laws on cyber-crime, making it difficult for victims to seek legal recourse. The most damaging part of online dating scams is the emotional trauma they inflict on their victims. Many people who have been scammed have shared that the experience left them feeling violated and traumatised. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to be cautious while dating online. In this blog we’re going to look at the FTX scandal and how it relates to dating.
What is the FTX scandal?
Sam Bankman-Fried, a billionaire in the cryptocurrency sector, went from being the industry's leader to a villain in less than a week after his company went bankrupt and was the subject of investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department. In November 2022, cryptocurrency exchange firm ftx was hacked and customer funds were stolen. The exchange had been using the personal information of its customers to fund cryptocurrency trading. As a result, ftx customers lost billions. Several ftx customers filed complaints against ftx for fraud, mismanaging customer funds, and other violations of customer rights. Eventually, ftx was ordered to refund $15 million dollars to ftx customers in damages.
How does this relate to dating?
If this scandal shows us anything, it’s that people will show you a side of them they want you to see. Sam Bankman-Fried was a fraudster and yet he came across as endearing and honest. It’s a good lesson in how people can shape themselves online.
Tip for avoiding online dating scams
Take the time to do your research on the person you're communicating with. That way, you can be sure of who you are dealing with and ensure that the relationship is genuine.
Don’t share personal information too early: This will help build trust and a connection, which is vital for any successful online dating experience.
Beware of requests for money: Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person. This could be a scam or a way of coercing you into sending funds without knowing the person well.
Report suspicious behavior: If someone is asking for personal information, it could be a scam. Approach the person with caution and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
How to recognise dating red flags
Pay attention to the way the person speaks about their past relationships. Are they open and honest or do they hold back? Are they vague or furtive?
Listen carefully for signs of respect and trust in their conversations. Does the person have a positive attitude, or is their tone negative and accusatory?
Observe how the person treats others, including strangers and family members. Are they warm and friendly, or are they aloof and disinterested? Do they look at others with love or with suspicion?
Look for signs of possessiveness or jealousy that may indicate an unhealthy relationship dynamic. Is the person controlling or critical of others? Are they jealous of the other person's time or other resources?
Finally, be aware of when a relationship begins to feel unstable. Is there a sudden shift in the balance of power, such as from one partner taking the lead to another becoming submissive? Or is there a dramatic change in the frequency of contact, such as two weeks of no communication turning into several times daily emails? These may all be warning signs that something is amiss in the relationship.
What does a healthy relationship look like?
Respect: Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect and trust. They are willing to listen to the other's feelings and opinions without passing judgment. These types of relationships foster open and honest communication, which helps develop a deeper connection and understanding of each other.
Communication: Clear, honest communication is essential for a healthy relationship. This helps partners build a strong connection and trust, enabling them to discuss any issues or concerns they may have without fear of being judged or criticised.
Boundaries: Establishing boundaries helps keep relationships healthy. Healthy relationships allow partners to have their own individual identities and be comfortable setting personal limits.
Balance: Maintaining balance between giving and taking is vital in any relationship. In healthy relationships, partners are able to give each other the balance that they need without feeling overly taken advantage of or controlled. Thus, it helps partners feel fulfilled and valued no matter what level of involvement both individuals may have in the relationship
Take your time getting to know someone
How can I protect myself while online dating?
Practice caution when it comes to sharing personal information online. Before jumping into the online dating world, research the safety and security of the platform thoroughly.
Always verify the identity of your potential matches through mutual friends or other means. Don't trust any account solely based on a username or a picture - take the extra step to ensure the user is who they say they are.
Use two-factor authentication whenever possible. This extra layer of security is the best way to ensure that no one has access to your personal information without your permission.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions about your potential match's online behavior and habits. By doing this, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions and ensuring the safety of your personal information.
By taking these steps to ensure your safety you could potentially be saving yourself from an online dating scam. It will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the people you meet and their values, allowing you to make informed decisions about the future of your relationship.
Although some of the live babeshow models are in long term committed relationships, others have had their fair share of online dating and we have overheard some pretty wild dating stories in the Babestation studio. Why not call your favourite babe channel girl and find out if she has any funny dating stories to share. You’ll find that cam girls are pretty honest and happy to chat candidly about their experiences. Why not bring up the subject of Tinder as a conversation starter on cam. Our babes love it when you take the lead. You’ll also find several interviews on the video wall.
