By: Nadine H. Funk
Did you know that millions of people find love online every year? But not every story ends with a smile. Online dating can feel exciting but hides risk you might not expect. Scams, identity theft, and heartbreak lurk behind some of those perfect profiles.
In her book Looking for Love in The Wrong Places, Sharon Johnson opens up about her adventures in online dating. She joined Facebook groups and dating sites, eager to meet someone special. Instead, she ran into people who lied about everything. Her stories pull you in and make you think twice about who’s really on the other side of the screen.
Take her chat with a guy named Bradley, for instance. He told Sharon he was a doctor working overseas. He showered her with sweet words and promises of love. But something felt off. She asked him basic medical questions—like what a stethoscope does—and he fumbled. Turns out, he wasn’t a doctor. He was a scammer using a fake photo to trick her. Another time, a different guy begged her for gift cards to “fix his internet.” When she said no, he got mad and ghosted her. Sharon’s book, Looking for Love in The Wrong Places, spills these eye-opening tales.
Those moments taught Sharon to spot trouble fast. If someone asks you for money or gift cards, run the other way. That’s a giant red flag waving in your face. Scammers love to build profiles that look flawless—great job, stunning looks, dreamy words. Too perfect? Probably fake. Watch out if they push you to ditch the dating app for private chats right away. They want to dodge the site’s safety checks. And if their stories shift or they dodge your questions, trust your gut. Something’s wrong.
So, how do you stay safe while chasing love online? Start by keeping your personal stuff private. Don’t share your home address, bank details, or anything sensitive. Lock your dating accounts with strong passwords—mix letters, numbers, and symbols, and switch them up often. People who come on too strong or charm you too fast might want something other than love. Slow them down. Better yet, check who they really are. Ask for a video call. If you’re ready, meet them in a busy public spot, not alone. Sharon Johnson learned these tricks through trial and error, and she shares them in Looking for Love in The Wrong Places.
Your instincts matter, too. If a chat feels weird or pushy, don’t brush it off. Walk away. And if you spot a shady profile, tell the dating site. Reporting helps everyone stay safer. These steps shield you from crooks after your cash or identity. Love shouldn’t feel rushed or risky. If it does, hit pause.
Online dating opens doors to new people, and that’s amazing. But you’ve got to keep your eyes open. Scammers don’t care about your heart—they want your wallet or your data. Sharon Johnson’s stories hit hard because they’re real. She thought she’d found the connection, but she stumbled into traps instead. Her book shows you what to watch for and how to dodge the danger.
Think about it: one wrong move online could cost you big. A scammer might drain your bank account or steal your identity. That’s not just money gone—it’s stress, fear, and months of fixing the mess. But you don’t have to learn this the hard way like Sharon did. Arm yourself with her lessons. Know the red flags. Use smart safety habits. You can still look for love without losing yourself.
Sharon Johnson’s book Looking for Love in The Wrong Places doesn’t just scare you—it empowers you. Her journey proves that online dating can work if you play it smart. Love’s worth chasing, but safety comes first. By staying sharp, you can spot the fakes and protect what matters.
Want to dig deeper into staying safe while searching for love online? Grab Sharon Johnson’s book, Looking for Love in The Wrong Places, and soak up her real-life lessons. Her life lessons and tips will guide you through the wild world of online dating with confidence.
Published by Joseph T.
