I don't get it?? The minute someone is asking for money, isn't that your clue that this is not the person of your dreams? When you are preparing to write a check or transfer funds shouldn't every instinct in your body be yelling at you NOT to? Some of the responsibility has to fall on us, no one should be asking for money from you when you are just getting to know them, no matter how much of a connection you feel you may have. I do understand that the loneliness can lead us down many paths and makes us vulnerable, but we still need to stay smart.

I'm with Laney 100% on this.
What ever happened to "the older we get the smarter we're supposed to get"?
Loneliness and desperation I guess play tricks on the mind.

Geo.

I believe no one should be asking you for money even after you've known them for a very long time. Unless and until you share a household (as marrieds or as cohabitants), lending or giving of money should never be a part of any "romantic" relationship.

The world has changed and we must be more vigilant in online or people who enter our life in any way. No longer can I leave my door unlocked. We can't even pull over when approached by a police car with confidence that it is a legitimate officer in the car. It even applies to scams attempted here on DS that we search out..

However we can't stop living to avoid being taken advantage of. I met a wonderful man on a dating site who is now my husband. We built a new and wonderful life after our spouse died. Be vigilant. But don't let fear control your life. Sharon

I think I'm probably safe...I don't date yet, probably never will online and I'm usually down to my last cent...I couldn't cut anyone a cheque even if I wanted to...I've had a few strange 'friend requests' on FB, but I ignore them...I have often thought about responding, and then when they ask me for $$, turn around and ask THEM if THEY have any money...that should stop the dialog pretty quick...

I'm a cheapskate. It would take a lot more than sweet talk and a hard luck story to wring more than two bucks outta me. These guys have all the time in the world to bait and reel them in though, that's the trouble. Deception takes a great deal of patient cunning, more than most of us would care to invest and why, even though we think " it would never happen to me", it very well could.