FBI Issues New Scam Warning for Dating App Users
Contributed by: kellyseal on Wednesday, May 15 2024 @ 04:12 pm
Last modified on Wednesday, May 15 2024 @ 05:20 pm
The FBI has issued a new warning for dating app users about a scam that involves “verification,” which raises more problems for the platforms as they roll out new safety features.
Scammers have been targeting people signing up for dating apps by asking people they match with to verify their identity “for safety reasons.” They share links to websites to get them off the platform, where they can steal the victim’s money and private data, such as credit card information.
The fake website looks real to users, displaying “fake articles alluding to the legitimacy of the website,” according to the FBI’s announcement[*1] . The verification website prompts the victim to provide their name, phone number, email address, and credit card number to “complete the process.” When the victim submits the information, they are led to another dating website charging monthly subscription fees.
Scammers can then charge money to the victim’s credit card at will, which is displayed on the victim’s statement as an unknown business.
This new scam is particularly problematic as dating apps have incorporated new verification features for added safety. Users new to a platform might mistake these scammers for the app’s own safety protocols. Tinder recently launched its Verification feature which requires users to submit a video selfie and a form of government ID like a driver’s license or passport to verify your identity. People could assume that the “verification” link they get from a match on the platform is part of Tinder’s own verification process.
The FBI did have some tips to offer dating app users to protect themselves. The first piece of advice is not to click on links or download files from someone you met online (including matches), or that could take you to a third-party website. Keep your messages with matches on the dating platform, where there are safety features in place. The FBI also advises dating app users to report suspicious profiles to the platform and do not continue contact with any suspicious user.
The FBI also encourages people to use a credit card with a limited balance when signing up for dating apps, so that if a scammer does take advantage, there will be limits to the damage. They also encourage people to avoid websites that “use scare tactics to coerce you to register for a service.” It also advises people to do their research, and look at the source of the information presented to determine its legitimacy, instead of taking it for granted.