{"id":4930,"date":"2024-02-14T03:46:34","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T03:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riskinasia.com\/?p=4930"},"modified":"2024-02-14T03:49:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T03:49:03","slug":"el-clasico-love-at-first-tinder-vietnam-thailand-cambodia-f-or-get-f-that-is-the-question","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riskinasia.com\/el-clasico-love-at-first-tinder-vietnam-thailand-cambodia-f-or-get-f-that-is-the-question\/","title":{"rendered":"El clasico Love at first Tinder: \u2018Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia: F- or get F-, that is the question?\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Risk in Asia has written extensively about Vietnam, even into the shady subjects of what is illegal<\/a>, such as prostitution and gambling. With Valentine\u2019s Day upon us it is no surprise that RIA looks at the darker side of building romantic relationships in Vietnam\u2026 and the risks that it can expose young and fearless expats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating the Perils of Online Dating in Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the digital age, online dating platforms have become the modern-day cupid, connecting people from across the globe. However, for expats venturing into the romantic landscape of Vietnam, the pursuit of love through apps like Tinder can sometimes lead down a treacherous path, marked by scams and financial pitfalls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Will [his name has been changed for privacy], a young expat in his twenties, found himself embroiled in a cautionary tale during his early days in Vietnam. His encounter with a charming Tinder match quickly turned sour when what seemed like a promising rendezvous spiraled into a financial trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was my second day in Vietnam, and I didn\u2019t know anyone here. I met a charming-looking girl on Tinder. After a few exchanges, which seemed totally normal to me, she suggested that I go to an electro club in the center of the city,” recalls Will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excited at the prospect of a romantic evening, Will agreed and found himself at a convenience store near the nightclub, waiting to meet his date, Sara [her name has been changed for privacy]. However, as they entered the establishment, Will noticed Sara\u2019s Tinder profile had vanished, signaling a red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As soon as we arrived inside, a man jumped on us and seated us in a sort of VIP room. I asked for two glasses of champagne, but they refused the request,” Will recounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What ensued was a high-pressure situation where Will felt coerced into ordering an overpriced bottle of champagne, under the watchful eye of his date and club staff. The evening quickly soured as Will realized he was being scammed, prompting his hasty exit from the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will\u2019s ordeal is not an isolated incident. Reports abound of similar scams targeting unsuspecting expats and tourists in Hanoi’s nightlife scene. Victims recount tales of being lured into overpriced establishments by attractive companions, only to be pressured into exorbitant purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prevalence of such scams has prompted vigilance among the expat community, with online platforms like Reddit serving as forums for sharing cautionary tales and identifying potential scammers. Subreddits dedicated to exposing Tinder fraudsters and listing scam-ridden establishments serve as invaluable resources for newcomers navigating Vietnam’s dating scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expats in Vietnam Should Exercise Caution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Tinder remains a popular choice for meeting new people, expats are advised to exercise caution and employ preventive measures when using online dating services in Vietnam. Some precautions to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verify Profiles<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before meeting in person, verify the authenticity of profiles to mitigate the risk of encountering fraudulent accounts. Verifying profiles is an essential step in safeguarding oneself against potential scams and fraudulent activities in the realm of online dating, particularly in a foreign country like Vietnam. Here are some strategies to enhance the verification process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media Cross-Check<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many individuals link their social media accounts, such as Facebook or Instagram, to their dating profiles. Take the time to cross-reference information provided on the dating profile with their social media presence. Look for consistency in details like photos, interests, and personal information. Additionally, assessing the activity level and the number of connections\/friends can provide insights into the legitimacy of the profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reverse Image Search<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One common tactic employed by scammers is to use stolen or stock photos to create fake profiles. Conducting a reverse image search using tools like Google Images or TinEye can help determine if the profile picture has been used elsewhere on the internet. If the same image appears on multiple profiles with different names or details, it’s likely a red flag indicating a fraudulent account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Request Video Calls or Real-Time Photos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To further verify the identity of the person behind the profile, consider requesting a video call or real-time photos. While this may seem like an intrusive request, genuine individuals interested in building a connection will likely be open to the idea as it demonstrates mutual trust and transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask Specific Questions<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Engage in meaningful conversations and ask specific questions about their background, interests, and experiences. Inconsistencies or evasiveness in responses could indicate that the individual is not genuine or may be hiding something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet in Public Places<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Opt for public venues when meeting a potential date for the first time to ensure safety and minimize the likelihood of falling victim to scams. Meeting in public places serves as a crucial safety measure when initiating face-to-face encounters with individuals met through online dating platforms, particularly in unfamiliar territories like Vietnam. Here’s an expansion on why opting for public venues is imperative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety in Numbers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Public venues, such as cafes, restaurants, or parks, offer a populated and neutral environment conducive to safe interactions. The presence of other people provides a sense of security and reduces the risk of encountering potentially harmful situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visibility and Accountability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Meeting in public places ensures visibility and accountability for both parties. In the event of any untoward incidents or misconduct, there are witnesses and potential sources of assistance readily available. This can act as a deterrent to individuals with malicious intentions and provide recourse in case of emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neutral Ground<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a public venue for the first meeting establishes a neutral ground that is comfortable for both parties. It eliminates any potential power dynamics associated with meeting in private spaces and fosters a sense of equality and mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease of Exit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Public venues offer the flexibility for either party to leave the encounter at any time without feeling trapped or obligated to stay. This empowers individuals to prioritize their safety and well-being without fear of repercussions or pressure to continue the interaction against their will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimization of Scam Opportunities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Scammers often exploit private settings to manipulate and deceive their targets. By meeting in public places, individuals can minimize the likelihood of falling victim to scams, such as coercion into making expensive purchases or divulging personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
What is illegal by Vietnamese laws when it comes to porn, prostitution, sex, and \u2018depraved content\u2019 watching or distributing?<\/a><\/blockquote>