Protect Yourself from Scammers
Protect Yourself from Scammers by Sienna Mitchell
Sienna Mitchell provides tips to protect yourself from scammers online and in real-world interactions. Sex hookups and online dating can be thrilling and we’re all about having fun and positive sexual experiences. However, it’s important to be aware of some scams that can occur during such interactions. The best course of action is to maintain a healthy skepticism until you have verified the information provided by your online contact and built a mutual trust.
Your safety is a top priority at BonePage. We want you to have the information so you’ll be prepared to protect yourself from scammers. In fact, we provide a library of articles to help keep you safe. Here is a list of common online dating scams and the red flags that might indicate you’re dealing with a scammer. Scroll down to see additional red flags associated with escorts and sex workers.
This may be the most important article you ever read!
Common Online Dating Scams and Warning Signs
Catfishing
Catfishing- What is Catfishing?: When someone uses fake profiles to pretend to be someone they’re not.
- Signs to watch for: Refusal to video chat or meet in person, photos that look too professional or like they belong to a model, and a lack of online presence outside of the dating site.
Romance Scams
- What are Romance Scams?: Scammers create fake profiles to build online relationships, eventually convincing their victim to send them money.
- Signs to watch for: Professing love quickly, stories of sudden financial crises, and requests for money, especially via wire transfer or gift cards.
Phishing Scams
- What are Phishing Scams?: Attempts to solicit personal or financial information under the guise of needing it for your online romance.
- Signs to watch for: Requests for personal information early on, links to websites asking for your information, and messages that seem to be generic or copied and pasted.
Extortion or Blackmail
- What is Extortion or Blackmail?: Threatening to release private information or content unless you pay a ransom.
- Signs to watch for: Sharing compromising photos or information with someone you’ve met online, followed by threats to expose you unless you pay up.
Malware Scams
- What are Malware Scams?: Malicious software is installed on your device without your knowledge, to steal your personal information.
- Signs to watch for: Being sent unsolicited links or attachments, messages urging you to check out a photo or document immediately.
“Too Good to Be True” Scams
- What are Too Good to Be True Scams?: Scammers posing as wealthy individuals or having a seemingly perfect profile.
- Signs to watch for: Profiles claiming to be wealthy entrepreneurs, models, or having an ideal life, often with few specifics about their real lives.
Protect Yourself from Dating Scammers 
- Always think critically about the information you share and with whom you’re sharing it.
- Use reverse image searches to check if someone’s photos are real or stolen.
- Never send money or personal information to someone you’ve only interacted with online.
- Stick to reputable dating sites and apps, and use their messaging systems for as long as possible.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
Awareness is key to navigating online dating safely. By knowing the types of scams out there and their warning signs, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Scams Associated with Escorts & Sex Workers
The world of escort services, while legal in some regions, has more than it’s fair share of scams and fraud. It’s of utmost importance to be vigilant and informed so you don’t get ripped off or worse. Here are a few of the more common escort scams and their warning signs:
Advance Fee Fraud
- What is the Advance Fee Fraud?: You’re asked to pay before receiving any service, often under the guise of a deposit or security measure.
- Signs to watch for: Requests for payment via untraceable methods (e.g., cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gift cards) before any service is rendered.
Bait and Switch
- What is Bait and Switch?: The person or service you were promised is significantly different from what is actually provided.
- Signs to watch for: Refusal to provide photos or evasive answers about services; discrepancies between ads and the actual person or service.
Robbery Setup
- What is a Robbery Setup?: An appointment or meeting that ends up being a setup for a robbery.
- Signs to watch for: Insistence on meeting in secluded or private locations, lack of specific details about the meeting, or communication that feels rushed or unsafe.
Fake Escort Agencies
- What are Fake Escort Agencies?: Agencies that exist only on paper, without real escorts to provide the advertised services.
- Signs to watch for: High fees for joining or booking with promises of elite services or clients, lack of verifiable reviews or references, and generic website content without specific details about the escorts.
Extortion Schemes
- What are Extortion Schemes?: Threatening to expose a client’s use of escort services to family, friends, or employers unless they pay a ransom.
- Signs to watch for: Requests for personal information that could be used for blackmail, aggressive or threatening behavior if you refuse services or ask too many questions.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Escort Scams
- Research thoroughly before engaging with any escort or agency. Look for reviews or references from trusted sources.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—they usually are.
- Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information that could be used for extortion.
- Use secure, traceable payment methods that offer some level of protection or dispute resolution.
- Always prioritize your safety by meeting in public places and informing a trusted person about your whereabouts.
Navigating the escort and prostitution scene requires a high degree of caution. By being aware of these scams and their warning signs, you can take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
About the Author
Sienna Mitchell, First Amendment Reporter
Sienna Mitchell is a contributing author for BonePage.com adult classifieds. She is a talented and experienced First Amendment reporter and published author based in Phoenix, Arizona. With a passion for uncovering stories and exposing injustices within the adult entertainment community, Sienna has made a name for herself as a reporter who focuses on the intersection of first amendment issues and the adult entertainment industry.
Sienna’s prior experience as a webcam model gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by sex workers and adult performers. Her experience and extensive knowledge of the adult industry makes her an authoritative voice on the subject. Sienna Mitchell is a skilled journalist whose work is making a difference in the adult entertainment industry.
Contact Sienna Mitchell: SiennaMitchell@teamdnp.com
Link to Sienna’s Bio: Sienna Mitchell