Be Safe Out There

Since scammers can now use high-fidelity AI to mimic voices and faces, traditional "send a selfie" requests are outdated.

Real-time Video Call: Insist on a video call within the first week. No excuses. If they breach this reasonable boundary, cut off communication.
The Interactive Test: If they are able to do a call, ask them to perform a specific, random action that a pre-recorded deepfake cannot easily replicate (e.g., "Touch your left ear with your right hand," "Hold up today's mail," or "Turn your head slowly from side to side").
Voice Check: If they only send voice memos, listen for "robotic" pacing or a lack of background noise. AI voices often sound too clean or have slight digital artifacts.

A real person leaves a trail over many years; a scammer’s trail is often shallow or brand new.

Reverse Image Search: Use Google Images or TinEye. If their photo appears on a stock image site or belongs to a minor influencer/model, it’s a scam.
Social Media Longevity: Check their profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram). Profiles created within the last year with few friends or non-interactive "bot" comments are high-risk.
Travis's only Social Media accounts:
Mutual Connection Check: Do they have local friends or tagged photos from years ago? Scammers rarely have a believable network of tagged family and friends.

In 2026, scammers often use "Pig Butchering"—a long-term play where they coach you on "investing" rather than asking for a direct handout.

No Money, No Exceptions: If they ask for money for a "crisis" (medical, travel, legal), it is 100% a scam.
The "Investment" Trap: Be extremely wary if they claim to be a crypto expert or offer to "show you how to trade."
Payment Methods: If they mention Gift Cards, Crypto (BTC, Ethereum, Tether), or Wire Transfers to a "business account," cut contact immediately.

Love Bombing: Do they declare love within days? Intense emotional acceleration is a tactic to bypass your logic.
The "Hero" or "Victim" Story: They often claim to be in the military, a doctor on a remote mission, or an engineer on an oil rig—roles that explain why they "can't meet" yet command respect.
Refusal to Meet: If you have been talking for over a month and they have "canceled" more than twice due to an emergency, they are not real.
Platform Jumping: They will try to move you off the dating app (where they can be reported) to encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal as soon as possible.

If you suspect you are being catfished:

Stop all communication. Do not "confront" them; they are professional manipulators and will use guilt to keep you hooked.
Reverse Search Everything: Their phone number, email, and photos.
Report: File a report at IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center).