Don't get caught slipping in R4R subs..

This week in Casual Pursuit: Spot Fake Ads

Another quickie from Charm School that breaks down how to identify fake ads on reddit. (Or anywhere)

CHARM SCHOOL

Spotting Fake Personals Ads: A Guide

Fake freaks, the scum of reddit.  To be honest, it’s not all that hard to trick most horny dudes into almost anything.  It’s science: 

A study by Ariely and Loewenstein found that sexually aroused men were more likely to make out-of-character decisions (or have impaired judgment). Arousal reduced their ability to consider obvious consequences and increased the likelihood of prioritizing immediate gratification over safety or logic.

No duh.. Right?  That’s not to say that there aren’t men who have the discipline to keep their wits about them no matter how heavy it’s hanging that day, but the vast majority of humans are at the mercy of their unique hormone imbalance.  For most men, that means you’re at your weakest when you’re thirsty.  Not to worry, before you go all David Goggins on yourself, we’ve got you covered.  

Here are some tips to help you avoid being fooled by your balls when doing that one-handed R4R scrolling:

Key Identifiers of Fake Ads

1. Inclusion of Chat Usernames: Ads that include usernames for Telegram, Kik, Snapchat, or other chat platforms are often fake. Scammers use these platforms to quickly move conversations away from monitored sites.

2. Face Pictures: While it might seem counterintuitive, ads that include face pictures can be a red flag. Scammers often use stolen or fake photos to create a sense of trust. Think about it.. A real life woman is very unlikely to post her face in a personal ad.

3. Explicit Details: Be wary of ads with very explicit details. Legitimate ads usually maintain a level of discretion and respect. Ask yourself if you’ve ever met an attractive woman who would say “down to suck and fuck with anyone HMU” and mean it.

4. Multiple Posts: Check their profile. If they’re posting across multiple subreddits in the same day, that’s a red flag. Scammers tend to blanket various platforms to maximize their reach. They will often be pretty quick to reply to a message, despite having literally hundreds of message requests.

5. Too Good to Be True: If the ad seems too perfect or the person seems overly eager, trust your instincts. Scammers play on your desires to lure you in.

6. Quick Turn to Financial Transactions: Ads that quickly pivot to financial transactions, like asking for money or gift cards, are a major red flag.

What Happens If You Engage With Fake Ads

If you can’t tell if it’s real or fake and decide to engage the post, keep watch for these likely scenarios which will tell you, beyond all doubt, that it’s fake:

• Requests for Money: Scammers often claim to live near you and might offer to meet if you send cash, gift cards, or other forms of payment. With advances in AI, scammers are becoming increasingly adept at convincing you they are genuinely nearby. Never send money to someone you don’t know as a precursor to meeting.  It’s a scam.

• Blackmail: Sharing your pictures or personal information can lead to blackmail. After you refuse their request for money, scammers may threaten to send your pictures to your social media contacts unless you pay them.

• OnlyFans Scams: There are thousands of fake posts which try (either directly or indirectly) to get you to subscribe to their OnlyFans. If they have an onlyfans link in their profile, their posts are often a ruse.  Even if they don’t mention it directly, they are hoping to bait you into subscribing. If they talk about making content with you, remember that they can’t use content featuring you unless you also have a verified OnlyFans creator account, which takes a few days to set up. They’re likely just fishing for subscribers. That’s not to say that every profile with an onlyfans link is out to mislead you, it’s just something to keep in mind.

How to Verify if They Are Real

If you’re uncertain about an ad’s authenticity, take these steps to verify:

1. Video Chat: Request a video chat before meeting in person. A scammer will likely refuse or make excuses.

2. Check Their Profile: Look at their posting history and profile details. Consistency in posts and interests can indicate a real person.

3. Ask for Specific Photos: Request a photo with a specific gesture or item. Scammers usually can’t provide such personalized pictures.

4. Research: Search their username or any provided images online. Often, scams use the same usernames and images across multiple platforms.

5. Meeting in Public: If you decide to meet, choose a public place and let someone know where you’re going. Never meet at a private location on the first encounter.

By following these guidelines, you can better protect yourself from wasting time on fake personal ads. Stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.