I get that scammers in on line dating are kind of the ants at the picnic but why is it so many people seem to want to ignore the recommended safety protocol? Do they think they have some crystal ball to avoid getting taken?

Well, when you're really hungry, and the "ants" show up disguised as fresh-made hot dogs or cherry pie, it can be easy to say "well maybe THIS time it's real."

Maybe. I think too many are looking for some mythical form of perfection
And easy dates.

Maybe. I think too many are looking for some mythical form of perfection
And easy dates.

I like having fun with them once in awhile... they are pretty stupid ;)

What I don't understand are the people who can't seem to pick them out just by looking at them. I can without even speaking to them?. It makes me wonder if some people are so lonesome that they will just turn a blind eye to what's right under their nose? Or, Are some people that conceded?

Conceited. Yeah, most of us are saying the same thing in different ways.

It's like in Liveworld. When I'm on an even keel, feeling okay about myself and my life, I can't be taken in by even the smoothest, slickest con. But when I'm down, or anxious, or otherwise off, I am likely to give my soul away for nothing more than a warm smile.

conceit or desperation?
wanna see what they wanna see

An ant at a picnic always looks like an ant.
Scammers at a dating site do not readily look like scammers.

Time and experience is a great teacher as long as you survive to learn the lesson.

Its the hungry fish that bites the bait.

I tend to agree the scammers ate pretty obvious but maybe that is because I have been on line so many years and seen the same canned format so many times in my inbox that I pretty much have it memorized.

Tip newbees don't lift the usual clap trap from others profiles or self help books or you will will be round filed. Write your own profile.

I do think timing factors in
I try to avoid playing in Mingleland or on line in general a couple days if I have had a cheap shot emotionally for one reason or other.
I guess I don't really get the lonesome thing because I can feel more lonesome in a crowd than when I have a small circle of friends or no significant other so I am more driven to talk to someone or be creative until the dry spell abates. I always find the convoy good here if I really want someone to talk to.