Over 50 online daters more at risk of phishing scams: Study

A new survey suggests that the largest group searching online for a potential mate are singles who are 50 and older.

However, according to a 2013 PEW Research study, unlike tech-savvy 20- and 30-something online daters, the plus-50s are less aware of the perils that lurk on the web.

One member of that group, who asked that her identity be withheld, is a recently divorced 51-year-old mother of three who told Fox News how she met a man on a popular dating website - but that in a matter of a few days, their online courtship went offline.

The most important recommendation from the relationships experts to stay safe from digital heartbreak or financial ruin is to trust your gut.

Looking back on the cyber courtship, she admitted she ignored red flags -- like the speed at which her suitor tried to move their relationship.

Laurie Davis, author of "Love at First Click: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating," explained why the older population is at greater risk for being scammed.

Davis said that people who are scamming really prey on people who are vulnerable, and people over 50 are more vulnerable.

The most common online dating frauds are catfishing - someone who uses social media to create false identities to deceive - and other financial scams.

Out of the 50-and-over demographic, women tend to be more targeted by online dating scammers.