Pants On Fire

By Laura Stassi

Published December 1, 2022 at 5:05 AM EST

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Whether it’s criminals disguised as ardent online suitors or players who mix love bombing and gaslighting, deceptive people can damage our trust and sense of stability … not to mention our finances. So when it comes to the search for romance, can we keep the faith while circumventing the deceivers?

Security analyst Kim Keyoffers advice and tips on avoiding online romance scams, based on her research and reporting for PCMag.

Then, Laura hears about conducting background checks on potential dating partners from listeners including Paula, who says it’s her new M.O. after her experience with a suspiciously eager love interest.

Finally, journalist and “Duped” author Abby Ellinshares about uncloaking her former fiancé. She wonders if he’s simply larger than life; turns out he’s a lying liar.

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Security analyst Kim Key advises online love seekers to trust but verify information received from potential dating partners.

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“Duped” author Abby Ellin says it’s impossible to see red flags when you’re wearing rose-colored glasses.

Read the transcript