Red Flags Of A Sugar Daddy Scammer

The I want it, I got it lifestyle might look perfect for those who love luxury and can afford it, but unfortunately, it also makes sugar daddies more susceptible to scammers.

For sugar babies looking to get their needs met without any commitments, a sugar daddy can seem like the perfect arrangement.

And while there are plenty of genuine sugar daddies out there, there are also those who will take advantage of unsuspecting sugar babies.

So, how can you tell if your sugar daddy is real or if he’s just a scammer? Here is a complete guide on things to be wary of when sugar daddy hunting, as well as how to spot a fake sugar daddy.

What is a sugar daddy?

A man 'making it rain' with money bills

A sugar daddy is typically an older, wealthier man who provides financial support to a younger woman or man, known as a sugar baby.

In exchange for companionship, the sugar baby may provide sex, intimacy, or other services that the sugar daddy will need. These services may be purely platonic or may involve a sexual relationship.

The Sugar Daddy Scam

Text on paper that reads 'SCAM' in red

One of the most common scams when it comes to sugar babying is the potential fraudulent daddies who may be all bark and no bite!

These sugar daddies you find on online dating sites may appear to be everything you’ve ever wanted: rich, generous, and attentive.

But in reality, they’re just looking to take advantage of your youth and naivete. After all, not everything online is the truth.

The sugar daddy will message the sugar baby on dating websites or sugar daddy niche sites and sweet-talk them. With promises of expensive gifts, who wouldn’t want to continue?

After gradually gaining their trust, he’ll ask for personal information such as their bank account number, cash app/PayPal, or National Insurance Number (NIN).

Once he has this information, he can access their accounts and take all their money. In some cases, he may even coerce the sugar baby into sending naked photos or videos before stealing from them.

This type of scam can be extremely costly and emotionally damaging to the sugar baby community, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any red flags that may indicate that your sugar daddy is not who he says he is.

Too good to be true?

A couple looking at each other romantically

If your sugar daddy seems too good to be true, then odds are they probably are.

If the start of everything is all based on things they want to provide for you without actually coughing it up, then it might be high time you listen to these warning bells.

A real sugar daddy asks to meet you in person and get to know you before offering any type of financial support. If they are constantly sending you excuses, it might be just that: an excuse.

If you’ve never been allowed to meet up or they cancel last minute more often than not, then it might be a sign that he’s not who he says he is so say goodbye to the idea that he might be a legitimate sugar daddy.

Signs Your Sugar Daddy Is A Scammer

A man counting money

Getting scammed is probably on our list of top fears when it comes to online dating, but there are ways to prevent it! Here are some key signs that your potential sugar daddy is a scammer:

  • You’ve never met in person and they don’t want to video call
  • They ask for personal information such as your bank account number or National Insurance Number
  • They send you many false promises of gifts or money
  • They convince you to send naked photos or videos
  • Their grammar and spelling are poor
  • Their story doesn’t add up or they have multiple stories

These added all together is a clear siren call for you to either ghost them or leave the situation. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It’s always important to stay safe and alert when sugar dating online!

How to spot a fake sugar daddy

A man with a briefcase looking suspicious

The best way to avoid getting scammed by a fake sugar daddy is to do your research before meeting up with anyone.

A fake sugar daddy will have all the tell-tale signs from the get-go, these signs are exceptionally blatant that anyone can spot them.

When you’re sugar dating, do your research on potential sugar daddies. A reverse image search of their profile pictures can show if they stole the photo from somewhere else. Google their name to see if anything pops up that’s fishy.

And take note of how they speak to you – if something seems off, it probably is. If you notice any red flags while communicating with someone, cut off all communication and report them to the site or app immediately.

Potential dangers in sugar daddy scams

A manhole cover that reads 'DANGER'

There are many potential threats to watch out for when sugar daddy scammers try to take advantage of sugar babies.

Not only do these threats include financial and here are a few of the scariest possibilities if you’re not being careful:

Identity theft

A closeup of an eyelid that says 'IDENTITY' in black

After the scammer has gained your trust as well as a few numbers on your social security account, they can then use your name and information to do some serious damage.

This can include opening up new lines of credit, racking up debt, and even taking out loans in your name. It can ruin your credit score and leave you with a ton of financial burden that you didn’t sign up for.

Human Trafficking

A woman looking through torn wallpaper

Human traffickers are well equipped in manipulation techniques and specifically target vulnerable populations.

Once they have scammed their way into your life, they will then coerce you into doing things against your will such as prostitution or illegal activity.

This is an unfortunately common occurrence and sugar babies need to be aware of the dangers.

Blackmail

A man grabbing a pile of money

If they have access to a lewd photo or video of you, they can then use these as a means of leverage to blackmail you.

This can include asking for money, sexual favors, or anything else they might want from you.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to not give in and to report the person to the authorities immediately.

Physical violence

A woman raising her hand for protection

These are only some of the dangers that come with meeting someone online and trusting them too easily. Physical violence can happen when things escalate and things get too out of hand.

While this might not happen as often, it’s still something to be aware of and to take precautions against.


Conclusion

Sugar daddy scams are unfortunately common, but there are ways to prevent them! By being aware of the red flags and potential dangers, you can stay safe while sugar dating.

Do yours it’s always important to stay safe when sugar dating, both online and in person! Take the time to read the signs and to protect yourself against the dangers that come with meeting someone new protect your financial information, your identity, and your well-being.

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Written by Katie Thompson

Katie is a dating expert with a PhD in Counseling and Psychology from the London Metropolitan University. Currently writing content related to dating, relationships, and casual encounters.