by Rebuhjs
Mon Feb 29, 2016 2:44 pm
I think I was scammed by a guy I chatted with for about four months (I'll post about him separately). At the time, I didn't know people scammed for pics, images, or videos. I fear I was extremely naive.
The image that's supposedly being used now, is a profile or face pic. However, I've never used it publicly or as a profile pic. A handful of people have seen it. The man who I suspect scammed me liked it a lot.
I set up an account with SKOUT two days ago. It was the first, and only time, I used the pic as my profile pic. This morning, a guy said it was impossible I'd only been there two days. He claimed he'd seen my pic previously.
I asked him when and what name was used. He couldn't remember, but he became suspicious of me. He requested a "real-time" pic. It was early morning, hair and makeup weren't fixed, but I dislike being doubted. I shot a hideous selfie.
I started deleting pics on SKOUT. He requested a second "real-time" pic. It crossed my mind, why did he message me now? If he'd seen me before, why not message me then? I just felt sick and frustrated. I blocked him, anyone on KIK, and shut down everything. No more chatting for me.
Based on the research I've done, the man I believe to be a scammer meets a lot of the red flags, but he's never registered on reverse image or site searches. After reading about how a scammer may use your images, I started reverse searches on myself. I've never received results.
A few weeks ago, I thought this same pic may have been flagged. No negative results followed. I attributed it to paranoia.
I've contacted SKOUT and reached out to a couple other resources. I contacted the Scam & Fraud Dept. at the FTC. I'm never using the one pic in question again.
I didn't know if, without names or profile details, there was a way to warn others that these pictures are being used under false pretenses? Possibly for scamming or fraud?
I've deleted or deactivated social media. This is creepy and I feel so confused. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!