When I watch these programmes I start off by thinking they must be stupid but I always end always feeling sorry for them in the end as they must be very lonely and desperate for companionship to fall for these scams.
When my partner passed away, I was pretty desperate - I had not been alone for any length of time for many decades. She had looked after and taken control of absolutely everything, leaving me to just do the work. It took me several months to get everything sorted out, back in control and to even know what things cost, plus where to buy. On top of which I had the Will, probate and etc. to deal with. I even needlessly worried if I might have enough income to maintain my lifestyle living only on my income - plenty in the bank, but I like to live within my income. Added to all that, I had never really needed to learn to cook, so I was more or less starting from scratch.
I've never been one for socialising in pubs, clubs or etc., I've never been in one of those drop in centres, mentioned in another thread.
Rather I went on a dating site just to find someone I could get together with, to once again crack on with enjoying my life at my usual speed. Fun is very limited, when you have no one to share it with. So would say despite be fairly desperate, I would never let my heart rule my head.
I would suggest that anyone who goes on such a site should be very careful indeed and carefully assess the motives of anyone who tries to get involved with you - particularly don't offer or give them any money, especially if they claim they have urgent financial issues. Yes, I did say that my 'potential' has serious financial issues, but she has to sort those out herself, from her own resources, before we progress.