Dating scams are so successful because the internet allows people to communicate and start a relationship even if there is a great distance between them. In fact, the physical distance is one of the most important success factors because scammers can make up any story they want and can count on not being discovered. If the potential victim is located in the U.S. and the scammer claims to be working in an oil rig in Turkey, there are little chances for a regular individual to verify this information while being thousands of miles away.  Distance is on the side of the scammers.

While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick people into sending them money. These impostors create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince their victims to send money in the name of love. One of the claims that is becoming very popular among online scammers is that they are isolated somewhere in the world working in an oil rig.   Think you can’t be a victim because you don’t send money?  Think again.  Internet criminals have many ways to access your information and accounts.

The oil rig claim sets the perfect context for an internet criminal. It is hard to prove whether the claim is true or not and their supposed isolation leaves them vulnerable to a number of alleged problems, like not being able to access to their personal funds, being unable to leave or other hardship situations. In such circumstances, a request for financial assistance does not seem strange, so victims agree.

Investigators at Wymoo International have experience dealing with oil rig scammers, and have collected some tips and recommendations to follow if you met someone online who claims to work on an oil rig.

If you have a real interest in the person, hire an online dating verification ASAP

The first step in every online romantic relationship is to hire a professional background check investigation that can verify the identity and claims of the subject. There is no point in investing time, energy and money into someone who cannot prove they are who they claim to be. Professional investigators conduct thorough background checks that will provide clear evidence: from birth records to employment verification, travel records, documents, etc. With all the evidence obtained, people can have a clear understanding of whether or not their online date is being honest.

If an online love interest asks you for money, slow down!

Take some time to think about the convenience of sending money to a stranger. Scammers will always want to rush you, often professing love right away and making up some kind of story to put pressure on you. The sudden and urgent need of funds is never a good sign and should be investigated promptly. Never wire money, put money on a gift card or send cash to an online love interest that has not been verified by a professional international private investigator. Chances are, you won’t get your money back if it happens to be an online criminal, and being a victim can be devastating.

Scammers stories vary, so find professional help

Oil rig scammers vary the details of their stories, and have developed complex and very believable scripts. The criminals behind these operations have a lot of experience, so don’t trust your own instincts because you might be outsmarted. Instead, rely on professional assistance and real evidence.

Contact us for a free investigation quote if you met someone who claims to be working in an oil rig, working or stationed offshore, or currently in a foreign country.  We can help!

C. Wright
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