Met Marcus on Hinge approximately six months ago. Relationship progressed quickly — he initiated daily contact, expressed strong emotional investment within weeks, and suggested meeting in person within the first month despite claiming to travel frequently for work as a "petroleum infrastructure consultant." We have met in person three times, always in San Francisco when he was "passing through." He claims to be based in New York but I have never visited him there.

Last month he disclosed a "temporary liquidity issue" related to a contract payment being held by a client overseas. He asked whether I could bridge a short-term loan of $18,000, promising repayment within 30 days. I have not yet sent money but the request alarmed me. His LinkedIn profile shows endorsements from connections I cannot verify independently, and his employer ("Norcom Energy Solutions") has minimal online presence despite him describing it as a mid-size firm. He has been evasive when I have asked specific questions about his work or home address.