THE INTERNET DATING SCAM

Nowadays, the numerous online dating websites are so popular among the Internet users. People can easily get to know each other with a mere click on the mouse. However, they are prone to dangers especially when the existence of ‘rotten apples’ is so prevalent. These people attempt to cheat others through various online scams. The Internet dating scam is one of them.

My friend, Sarah was looking for a potential partner on the Internet and found John, a pretty well-off online boyfriend. Their connection grew stronger over time. One day, John made an innocuous request. He was in dire straits due to failed business and needed assistance. Without hesitation, Sarah transferred a total amount of RM5000 into his foreign account. In two months’ time of never ending emails and messages sent to John, Sarah finally realised that she fell prey to the scam. She was hurt both emotionally and financially.

I feel sorry for my friend, Sarah. Her feelings are hurt, she since becomes emotionally vulnerable. I also feel angry towards the scammer who is still at large. He should be given the severe punishment for cheating on people’s money and feelings.

In order to protect ourselves, there are ways to prevent the Internet dating scam. Firstly, avoid a long-distance relationship whenever possible. Then, never reveal your personal data. Most of them will tell you that they are either lonely or helpless, therefore do not fall for any sob story. Lastly, never, ever wire money to a stranger.

Be alert as not to become victim for any Internet dating scams. Learn to protect yourself.

VOCABULARY

Match the words to the meanings.

1. innocuous          a) on the run

2. dire straits          b) became victim

3. fell prey  c) transfer                 

4. at large   d) desperate straits                 

5. wire                     e) unprovoking

PARAGRAPH 1

Answer the comprehension questions.

1.What are so popular among the Internet users?

_______________________________________________________

2.How do people get to know each other?

_______________________________________________________

3.Why are the Internet users prone to dangers?

_______________________________________________________

4.What do the 'rotten apples' attempt to do?

_______________________________________________________

5.What is one example of the Internet scam?

_______________________________________________________

PARAGRAPH 2

Complete the blanks with the correct answers.

My __________ , Sarah was looking for a potential ____________ on the Internet and found John, a pretty well-off online ___________. Their ___________ grew stronger over time. One day, John made an innocuous _________. He was in dire straits due to failed business and needed ____________. Without hesitation, Sarah transferred a total amount of RM5000 into his foreign ___________. In two months’ __________ of never ending emails and ___________ sent to John, Sarah finally realised that she fell ___________ to the scam. She was hurt both emotionally and financially.

boyfriend

prey

friend

account

connection

time

messages

assistance

request

partner

WORD GRAB

PARAGRAPH 3

Rearrange the phrases to form correct sentences.

1.sorry/I feel/Sarah./for my friend,

___________________________________________________________

2.Her feelings/ she since /are hurt,/emotionally/becomes/vulnerable.

___________________________________________________________

3.feel angry/I also/the scammer/towards/still at large./who is

___________________________________________________________

4.for cheating/be given/He should/and feelings./the severe punishment/on people’s money

___________________________________________________________

PARAGRAPH 4

Complete the blanks by using the correct sentence connectors.

In order to protect ourselves, there are ways to prevent the Internet dating scam. ___________, avoid a long-distance relationship whenever possible. ___________, never reveal your personal data. Most of them will tell you that they are either lonely or helpless, _________ do not fall for any sob story. ___________, never, ever wire money to a stranger.

PARAGRAPH 5

List three ways on how to distance yourself from the Internet dating scam.

Be alert as not to become victim for any Internet dating scams. Learn to protect yourself.

1.___________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________

3._________________________________________________________

THE END