Most of us are really suspicious when someone contacts us with a huge age difference. We expect someone only interested in our net worth. Obviously, that is going to be a consideration; they aren't going to support us. What do we think when that initial contact extends for a month or more and it starts to feel like the beginning of some type of friendship? I'm going to wait until we actually meet in real life before I totally believe.

What are your thoughts?

Huge difference is, to some extent, in the mind of the beholder.

That said, I'm 82 and have my age limit set at 60 to 105, or 82 +- 22.

Few people remain spry at, or even live to, 105. The one person who liked me and allegedly was over 100 had a picture of a woman in her twenties. An obvious scammer.

I find that a mismatch between picture and alleged age is a clear indication of a scammer.

Since I don't contact or reply to a message from somebody who I suspect is a scammer, I don't know for sure whether that somebody actually is a scammer. Better safe than sorry, to use a tired cliche.

There is ALWAYS a very tiny, remote, possibility of it being about a relationship.
Reasons vary, from "daddy" issues, to looking for easy street, to having been burned over & over by sex-crazed azzholers that used her & abused her by not even leaving a tip on the end table or locking the door after they snuck out before sunup, to she is actually mature enough & unsuperficial enough to not CARE if you aren't this year's Hollyweird hunky bod that makes other wimmins wet.

Yeaah, I know, but I've met a couple that didn't shiv-a-ratz-azz about looks and got their motor spewing fluids because the guy's personality was what tickled their start button - & both of them (1) early 20s & (1) mid 30s - were hot enough to fry eggs on.
He was a co-worker in his mid-50s and looked even older.
(Rumor had it he as hung like James Woods, so that MIGHT have been what it was about - or the fact he was pulling yungstuff might have engendered the rumors.)

Never.
In their minds, they are entrepreneurs.

yeah in THEIR minds.. however I feel they need to find a REAL job (like we did) and stop praying on those of us that've worked hard for what we've earned.. IMO they are spineless theives lacking a moral compass hiding behind a made up persona..

Scammer seem to want the easy/quick return on their time and effort. But there is also the old fashion gold diggers still out there looking for their sugar daddy to support them...lol

And if they have a full time job just not at a high income level?

they should learn to live within their means.. like the rest of us do OR.. get a 2nd job.. like some of us can.. stealing from others is simply wrong and immoral IMO

this is true.. I've had a few 'partners' that loved when I paid for everything.. once or twice is okay IF needed but.. I'm not made of money.. and to me a "partner" is someone who also takes responsiblity for the finances.. equally.. give and take.. but if it's all take? the next thing they take is the door!