The online dating world has its own set of warning signs. As an Afro-Caribbean single using apps or social media to find love, being able to spot digital red flags will protect you from heartbreak and scams. Here are some big ones to watch out for:The Mysterious or “Too Good to Be True” ProfileDoes their profile have only one photo that looks like a magazine model? Or almost no bio info? Red flag. Experts say scant profile details or overly edited photos often indicate a possible scammer. Trust your instincts if a profile feels fake, it probably is. Catfishers also tend to avoid video chats or spontaneous selfies. They will make excuses (“camera broken” or “too shy”) – a sign they might not be who they claim.Love-Bombing Texts and Fast-Forwarded IntimacyGetting flooded with sweet messages and declarations of love within days of matching can feel flattering but be cautious. Scammers and players both use love bombing to reel people in fast. If someone you have never met is calling you “my queen” and talking marriage, that is a red flag, not a fairy tale. Similarly, if they push to move the conversation off the app immediately or get very personal very quickly, be wary It is often a tactic to avoid the app safety monitoring or to create false intimacy.Vanishing Acts (Ghosting and Bread-crumbing)One minute they are messaging nonstop, the next they disappear for days without explanation. Consistent communication matters erratic patterns might mean they are juggling other people or not serious. Ghosting (suddenly cutting off contact) unfortunately is common, but if someone repeatedly goes hot and cold on you (a little trick called “bread crumbing”), consider it a red flag for future inconsistency.Requests for Money or FavorsThis is a huge one: never ignore hints of financial woes or requests for help. If your online crush starts telling sob stories a sick relative, a lost wallet, a business deal gone bad and especially if they ask for money, it’s almost certainly a scam. One common ploy is to build trust over weeks, then suddenly need cash for an “emergency.” Don’t fall for it. As one safety expert says, as soon as money comes up, cut off contactGut Feelings of UneaseEven through a screen, your intuition can pick up weird vibes. Maybe their stories do not quite add up, or they dodge basic getting to know your questions. If anything feels off, step back. You are never obligated to continue talking to someone who raises your suspicions.Staying alert online does not mean you have to be paranoid it just means being smart. By spotting these red flags early, you can swipe with confidence and focus on the genuine connections out there.CTA: Want to date online without fear? Sign up for our Masterclass, where we dive deeper into online dating safety and how to build trust with the right people.Sources: theguardian.com.