Unfortunately with the prevalence of pictures available through things like "friends-of-friends" on Facebook, detecting a scammer just from photo or name in a database is near impossible. But a basic understanding of how they work can help. Scammers always try to get you off the site and onto somewhere that can't be linked to their profile which keeps their profile "clean", so keeping the conversation here allows the scammers to be detected and reported more effectively. The site's instant messaging is just as good as Facebook and also has video, but you don't risk revealing your personal details. Basic "rules" like don't send money (or anything that could be easily sold) are effective, but also don't accept money either (see the "bank mule" scam)! Anyone who is genuine shouldn't be making any demands at all, let alone before you've met in person and had "the talk". I always offer to meet in person as early as possible even if it's on the other side of the world, but I also make the date some time in the future (relevant to distance) again to detect impatient scammers. Finally, don't forget that even in person someone could be a scammer. I had a friend many years ago who travelled back and forth to a foreign country for someone. She insisted that they not sleep together until they were married. When Australian immigration interviewed her, she found out that she couldn't get into Australia with their (overseas) marriage license without going through the proper process and suddenly she called off the wedding and told him that she had been paid to create a false passport to sell to someone. Stay safe!