faster profiles

I've made the profiles quicker to load. Previously they were taking an average of 2.5 seconds to load. The load times are now down to 0.2 seconds. I'll be making it quicker again real soon.

teddyjames007 removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:
hey,i was just on here, see your profile and i like it, wanna know if you're still single, can we have some chat ? Teddy.

Uses e-mail address teddyjames07@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

mhxxxsweetie removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:
Im michelle virginia,from miami.i am graduated as a computer science in university of washington...im 5.7 tall, attractive, seeking a meaningfull relationship,.I have a good sense of homour, i love staying home cuddled up on the sofa or floor watching a movie or just enjoying each others company by the fireplace...walk by the beach making love under the stars.I want someone attractive like you.... but I do fall for personalities thats shares common trait, I actually got attracted to you after having gone through your profile and found out you could be the right one l to heal my wound on betrayed. If it is meant to be, our hearts will find each other,.
so babe i wish you could mail me to mhxxxsweetie@yahoo.com so we can have a nice mailing together.
wait to hear from you soon babe
michelle .v.

Uses e-mail adress mhxxxsweetie@yahoo.com

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

die4uandurlove removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:
Hello,
how are you...my name is millicent 28 years ...no kids and i am still single i am intrested in ur profile and i will like to know more about you.......hope to hear from you soon....have a nice day.

Uses e-mail address die4uandurlove@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

singlewilly removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:
Hello,
How you doing today? i am Williams from Opelousas, usa , i found your profile on this web page and think it is interesting, pls i will like to chat with you and get to know more about you, if you care for chat , do not hestitate to add me to your messager list on yahoo as willycare4luv1 at yahoo dot com and on msn as willycare4luv at hotmail dot com, you can reach me on any of the two, you can also add me to your messanger list and we can talk better on there, Await your immediate respond
william

Uses e-mail address tracycare4luv1@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

diamond80 removed, Russian scammer

Sample e-mail:
fitlady7@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Nastya! I'm from Russia! I write you because I'm going to your country very soon! Visa almost ready and soon I will get it ! I was waiting very long time before get it! ANd if all will be well I hope to meet you there and spend some days with you!
Hope you are not against! And I found your profile and I think that I like it!
SO please if you want to meet me soon then write me to fitlady7@gmail.com and I will answer you and send you some of my photos!
Bye for now!
Nastya!

Uses e-mail address naper87@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

Changes to member profile page

I am making changes to the member profile page over the coming weeks. My objective is to make the pages load faster. To the end I need to tighten up the code and remove or move some of the functionality.

Today I removed the "personal contact" section at the bottom of the profile page. This section allowed members to voluntarily post their IM, e-mail and web page information. I did this not for optimization, but to keep scammers and spammers from harvesting this information. I have 120,000 members, about 75% had posted their e-mail address in this section. That is a gold mine for any spammers and scammers. Members are welcome to post this information in their essay answers if they choose, but I highly discourage it.

I will be moving the rating system to a separate page soon.

As always, I appreciate your feedback in the comments section.

curtis120 removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample -mail:
Hello.. i just checked out your profile and would like to get to know you better.Not sure if my pics have been approved as i just joined this site but you can ask me for my pics i would show it to you..I dont mind chating with you sometimes on yahoo messenger.My i.d is curt_jon...Hope to hear from you soon..Cheers..Curtis...

Uses e-mail address curt_jon@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

Rental scams

We recently posted a room for rent on several roommate and rental websites. I haven't figured out what exactly the scam is but I get about 40 e-mails a day from people claiming to be from the UK or Australia expressing an interest in our rental. I became suspicious when the e-mailers claimed to be models and many of the e-mails were similar in content. I've posted a few of the e-mails below. If you are renting a room or property, do yourself a favor and do not post your e-mail address. Post your telephone number, and make them call you. Our legit renters where the ones that called.

Sample scam e-mails:

I will start by introducing myself briefly; I am Owen Simpson, working with TELNET INC. I grew up in the State and started working with my present establishment. In the year 2000 I got transferred to the United Kingdom, which obviously I did not find it easy at all initially but had to cope because of my sustenance. Some weeks ago, a memo came from our head office notifying me of my transfer which I called "A RETURN BACK HOME".... lol.

I am writing just to confirm if you still have the room for rent..............If YES Please I will like to have answers to the following questions below:
1) I will like to have the description of the room, size, and the equipments in there.
2) I will like to have the rent fee per month plus the utilities.
3) I will also be coming with some of my furniture, that is if it is allowed, like bed, book shelf because I read alot, shoe rank etc
4) I will also like to know if you accept Cashier’s Check or US postal Money Order so that I can contact our payment department for the payment. The company is responsible for the payment.
5) If the 4 questions are YES, I will like to know the total cost for the initial move as in first month rent plus utilities and if deposit is necessary.
6) I will like to know the major intersection


Hope to hear from you soon.

Owen



Hello
Hey My name is KellyCrawford Cambell,Female,as you would already know I am looking for a roomate that is responsible, hasn't always had everything they ever wanted, but has always worked for things that they have. I want someone that has a sense of humor,so if you don't have a sense of humor, I definitly am not the right roomate for you! I have a very outgoing personality, am a very funny person. I get along with almost anyone, So I don't want to put a bunch of info about me on here you can email me at kelly_crawford04@yahoo.com , if you might be interested.I am really just looking for someone with a postitive attitude, and is responsible!I work as a model, I'm easy to get along with and I respect your personal space. I'm usually not around, so I won't bother you.I generally want someone who is easy or outgoing and just enjoys life and people. I do. You have to have a job though and you must be dependable. Hope I'm what your looking for.just really looking around to see what possibilities there are out there.
I am a model by occupation and i model internationaly,i am in UK now modeling for gucci but i want you to get back to me via email,i will love to come directly to your room from here if you will rent it out to me.PLS GET BACK TO ME AT MY PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS.
kelly_crawford04@yahoo.com
Yours Sincerely
KellyCrawford Cambell.

johncute removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:

Hello Are you sure you are not 25? I am not sure how you came up in my search - - your smile is so open and honest........ wishing so very much that you were in New York... how is it that I can find someone who is down to earth,,,,,,who loves the fine things in life... like a bonfire and a hammock rocking in the breeze,,,,and who also understands me...... anyway...goodluck - the man who wins your heart will be a lucky one...am new here and hopefully i will stop my search becos i found you...chatting more will be interesting my addy is smith_1190@yahoo.com . Please add me to your messenger.
John.

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

La Quinta Inn in San Diego

On our trip back to my hometown San Diego, we stayed at La Quinta Inn in Mission Valley. This property was formerly a Marriot/Fairfield Inn and we stayed here often. It is still a great place to stay. It is cheap ($75.00 with AAA discount on Thanksgiving) and the free WiFi is fast! The staff is friendly, the rooms are clean and their breakfast is free. Breakfast consists of waffles, pastry's, coffee and juice. The hotel (or is it motel?) is close to everything in central San Diego. The beaches, zoo, park, airport and all major freeways are just a few minutes away. Target is across the freeway if you forgot to pack any essentials. The only suggestion I have to the staff, is please use scent free bleach when washing the linens :)

Tip: Try to get a room on the top floor. You can hear any kids running around on the floor above you if you don't.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish all my members a Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember our men and women serving in the military far from home and family. They sacrafice a great deal to protect our freedom. I am thankful that we have brave selfless men and women who volunteer to serve and don't ask for much in return except our support.

God bless you all and come home safe.

ussweet16 removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:
ritabaku@myway.comMessage: ritabaku@myway.comNice to meet you, how is everything ,hope all is wellwith you. My name is Mrs.Rita Baku, I found yourcontact after reading your profile I picked interestto contact you.
I've something very important which I would love toshare with you, but not in a public site likethis,therefore, would advise you to kindly write meback on:(ritabaku@myway.com) so that I'll give youdetails.
Waiting anxiously for your anticipated corporation,
Yours,Rita

Uses e-mail address ritabaku3@yahoo.co.uk

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

lmat555 removed, Nigerian scammer

Sample e-mail:

From Mary Koroma
Dearest one,
permit me to inform you of my desire of going into business relationship with you , l got your name and contact through the help of a friend who works in internet here in Abidjan and I prayed over it and selected your name among other names due to its esteeming nature and the recommendation by the director for a reputable and trustworthy person l can do business with and by the recommendation l must not hesitate to confid in you for this simple and sincere business.
l am Mary Koroma the only daughter of late Mr. and Mrs Bony James.My father was a very wealthy cocoa merchant in Abidjan here, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, he was poissoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on business. My mother died on the 20th october 1988 and my father took me so special because l am motherless. Before the death of my father on 29th november2001 in a private hospital here in Abidjan, he secretly called me on his bedside,when I sat down to listen to him, he started crying, why?
(1) he conplained that I am too young to be managing my life, (2)that I have not finished my university education as he planned for me,(3)no body to take care of me again as a young girl, but after much crying, he still passed an instruction to me that he has a sum of US$9.500.000.(NINE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS) left in a security company here in Abidjan, that he used my name as the only daughter for his next of kin in deposit of the funds. He also informed me that the security company where he deposited the consignment (box) does not know the real content of the box because he declear it as family valuable for the safety of the money.
He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was posisoned by his business associates , that l should seek for a God fearing foreign partner in a country of my choice where l will transfer this money and use it for proper investment purpose ,that I must finish my university education by the help of a business partner abroad,that he or she should help me obtain a resident permit in his or her country.
He also gave an out standing instrution to the security company that the consignment must be transfered outside this country before use, this is to make sure that I did not begin to make use of the money here so that his enemies will not get at me.
I am now ready to do all these since my father my bread winner is no more. l am honourable seeking your assistance in the following ways.
( 1) to provide a bank account into which this money will be transfered to.(2) to serve as my gaurdian in your country while I will depend on your expert advise since l am a girl of 24 years.
( 3 ) to make arrangement for me to come over to your country in order to further my university education and to secure a residential permit for me in your country. Moreover sir, l am willing to offer you 15% of thetotal sum as compensation for your effort /input after the successfull transfer of this funds to your account overseas.
Furthermore, you can indicate your option towards assisting me as l believed that this project would be concluded within fourteen ( 14 ) days you signify interest to assist me. Hoping to hearing from you soonest.May God bless you as you extend your helping hand to a needy fellow.Best wishes
Mary Koroma
Please even if you don't want to assist me. Please keep it confidential for my safety. PLease contact me through my private email for security reasons mary_koromaxxx111@yahoo.com

Uses e-mail address mary_koroma0105@yahoo.ca

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

win a free iPod shuffle on OtherSingles

I will be selecting one person that links to OtherSingles to win a free iPod shuffle. It's the easiest contest you may ever enter. See details here http://www.othersingles.com/FreeIpodIntro.cfm

The drawing is on Dec 7.

Blog updates

I moved to blogger beta. I've added labels to my posts. Pay particular attention to "dating scam". Lots of activity here lately, especially from the UAE and targeting women. Previously dating scams were targeting men to women 90 to 10. Now it's 50 50. Women beware... Scammers will usually post a photo of a very attractive man, will address their emails to "my dear" or "my angel" and their English is very poor. It can take me up to 1 day to root out a scammer. If you aren't sure if someone is a scammer e-mail "Your Host" and ask.

teddyjames07 removed, West African scammer

Sample e-mail:
Hey,I saw your profile, its so cute,hope we can have some chat on yahoo or msn..are you still single? Teddy xxxx.

Uses e-mail address teddyjames07ster@gmail.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

rosefemi11 removed, West African scammer

Sample e-mail:

Hello i really apprecaite and love your profile and would love to know you better too,am single and looking for soulmate hope u the one and i think you are worth been mylove if you won't hurt me and play no games with my heart.but i think we could talk,i would love to be with the man i love and if you would be mylover one i would do just anything for you honey.but one thing i am scared of getting hurt,please kindly send me a reply to my mail box or kindly add me with ur yahoomessanger tinywolfxx@hotmail.com or roselin_sexy@yahoo.com and we can see where this goes.thank you once again..Rose

Uses e-mail address david_single_male@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

tender777 removed, scammer

Sample e-mail:

I hope for long relations with you!I have considered your structure and have seen your picture, and I consider, that you approach me. I very much am in earnest to the choice. In a real life I was already disappointed in one man, here therefore I have decided to come on a site of acquaintances, I consider, that I should learn all over again the person through letters, trust in it, and already then it is possible to think of a meeting greater. I really feel, that at me with you long and long attitudes will turn out. You can write at once on mine email: sweet_strawberry753@yahoo.com. I with pleasure shall answer your questions and I shall set certainly them to you. I very much look forward to hearing from you to mine email.

Uses e-mail address sweet_strawberry753@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.

tenderheart458 removed, scammer

Sample e-mail:

Hi there,How are you doing? I was reading thru profiles I liked yours Cuz not in my 45 yrs have i ever seen such beautiful eyes, you are the first one that actually wrote to cuz i am new on here. You seem sweet just by looking into your eyes. I would love to get to know you much better and maybe become friends if nothing more. My names TED i am 45 years old and I am in OHIO. I have one son that is 19 years old and looking to meet new people haven't lived here that long. If you are interested write directly to my yahoo tENDERHEART458@yahoo.com.. As i might be busy and will not be able to read your eply on here.. But i will be able to and write you back on yahoo.. Take care and have a wonderful day.
TED

Uses e-mail address tenderheart458@yahoo.com

The photo above is the stolen photo used by the scammer. The person in the photo is not the scammer.

Please click on "comments" to post more information about this scammer.