It's important to be cautious and vigilant when interacting with someone online, especially if you have doubts about their authenticity. The situation you described does raise some red flags that could indicate a potential scam. Here are some things to consider:
No video chat: Claiming that they can't video chat due to a bad signal is a common excuse used by scammers to avoid showing their true identity. While it's possible to have occasional connectivity issues on an oil rig or other remote locations, if this inability to video chat persists and they seem evasive about other forms of communication, it may be a sign of deception.
Photos: Having photos does not guarantee the person is genuine. Scammers can easily use stolen photos or photos from other people's profiles to create a fake persona. You can use Google Reverse Image Search to check if the photos have been used elsewhere on the internet.
Asking for money: Be wary if the person starts asking for money or financial assistance, especially if you have never met them in person. This is a classic red flag of a potential scam.
Inconsistent information: Pay attention to any inconsistencies or contradictions in their stories or personal information they share. Scammers often have difficulty maintaining a consistent narrative.
Refusal to meet in person: If the person avoids meeting in person or keeps postponing plans to meet, it could be a sign of a scam.
Declining to share personal details: If the person is unwilling to provide personal information about themselves or avoids answering direct questions, it could be a sign of deception.
To protect yourself:
Avoid sharing personal or financial information with someone you have just met online.
Conduct online research about the person using their name and any other available information to see if there are any red flags.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it's best to proceed with caution or end communication altogether.
If you suspect a scam, stop communicating with the person immediately and report them to the platform where you met them.
Remember, scammers can be skilled at creating convincing personas and stories to gain trust and manipulate others. Always prioritize your safety and be cautious when engaging in online relationships with people you have not met in person.