Which of the following best defines online dating schemes?

Online dating schemes are best defined as fraudulent activities that target individuals for financial gain. This definition captures the deceptive nature of these schemes, where the perpetrator often poses as a potential romantic partner to gain the trust of the victim. After establishing a relationship, the fraudster typically manipulates emotions and exploits vulnerabilities, ultimately persuading the victim to provide money or personal information in various ways.

While the other choices refer to aspects of dating and social interactions, they do not encompass the exploitative intentions behind what constitutes an online dating scheme. Connecting singles or social networking interactions suggest positive and honest engagements, and legitimate dating platforms emphasize verified users striving for genuine connections, neither of which aligns with the deceptive and harmful nature of online dating schemes.