..Is still a duck?!!

Why is it that co-habiting or married men do not realise that there are telling signs that reveal them as “ducks”? Why is it that scammers don't realise that 'people' are aware of a scam when they see/read one?!!!

Single people, very rarely, sign off immediately during a conversation. Single people, very rarely need to schedule dates week’s in advance...genuine people, very rarely ask for money/credit card details or say that they have a sick or elderly relative that they need money for. People, know when a ‘duck’s a duck’!.

Why do 'they' portray themselves as being single or genuine when the ‘signs’ are obvious? When their messages lack originality, intelligence, regional dialect and basic spelling/grammar?

Why do “ducks” persist in passing themselves off as swans?

Because swans occasionally like to suck the moisture out of ducks.

You're simplifying...What moisture can a swan possibly suck out of a duck?

double post cutie

Well, since your premise of "ducks & swans" is obviously metaphorical, I guess my proverbial "moisture" could be anything of essence, no?

Yes but was expecting a less pedantic response

Pfft! And you said I was simplifying...

A swan by any other name....

They do it because it has worked for them in the past. And it continues to work for them. As P.T. Barnum famously said,
"There's a sucker born every minute".

I assume that people are telling the truth, even though I usually know when people are lying or trying to con me.

I just stick to my "company" policies.

I don't give my credit card information to anyone and I don't send money to worthy causes unless I am pretty sure what they are.

Don't invest in anyone you are not sure of.

That includes your time.