It is no secret that dating apps are becoming increasingly popular. But with this surge in use of such platforms comes creative cons and scams targeted toward users. Unfortunately, these scams continue to grow in scale, making it essential for those utilizing online dating platforms or apps to be aware of the potential dangers ahead.
If you are a victim of one of these app-enabled cons already or just looking for ways to protect yourself from any potential risks, this blog post will discuss what you need to know about the various dating app scams. Recognizing the signs of romance scams early is the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim of financial or emotional manipulation.
How Do Dating Scams Work?
Dating scams are heartbreaking and terrifying, as they can strip victims of their finances as well as shatter their self-confidence. A dating app scam involves a criminal adopting a fake online persona to gain a victim’s trust and affection.
These scammers create fake profiles on platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, with either stock images of attractive people or stolen identities of real people. Once a scammer has fooled a victim into believing they have found love, they will use that trust to control them psychologically and financially.
Scammers often follow a predictable pattern. They start by creating a “problem” that only money can solve. Once you send money, they will either disappear or come up with an even bigger crisis to request more funds.
For example, the scammer may ask for financial assistance because of an emergency, encourage the victim to invest large amounts of money in false opportunities, or present a sudden travel opportunity to finally meet you. They will profess their love very quickly to make you feel obligated to help them. Trust your instincts and take measures to protect yourself from becoming a victim of dating site scammers.
Lies and Red Flags of a Dating Scammer
Relationship scammers often stick to a set script and plan, so they have a predictable pattern of red flags. Here are common signs of romance scams you should look for when meeting someone new online:
- Lying about age and wealth. Romance scammers often tell tales of their wealth or success without proof. They might also lie about their age or appearance to gain an advantage over you by creating fabricated backgrounds.
- Financial trouble stories. Romance scammers often reel in their victims with sob stories, typically involving financial trouble that requires assistance from their “loved one” (you). They want access to your bank account or credit cards so they can get away with as much money as possible.
- Avoiding visual contact. Most legitimate users will be willing to chat with you if asked. If someone refuses, they are likely hiding something or trying to hide their identity from you. This could indicate that you are dealing with a scammer and should proceed cautiously.
- Personal information theft. One of the most obvious signs that someone is trying to scam you is if they try to get your personal financial information from you. Never disclose any financial information, such as credit card or bank account numbers, over the internet. Never send money to strangers you have met online.
- Fake identity and stock profile photos. One of the first things you should look out for is suspicious photos. This can include anything from outdated pictures to photos that don’t match up with the person’s description of themselves. It could also include images stolen from other websites. For your safety, we recommend that you do a quick reverse image search before proceeding with your communication.
Are Romance Scams Illegal?
Yes, romance scams are illegal at both the federal and state levels in the U.S. These schemes typically incorporate numerous criminal elements such as fraud, identity theft, extortion, and money laundering. Such charges can carry sentences up to 20 years, and criminals who commit multiple offenses could serve consecutive sentences. Furthermore, scammers may have to pay hefty fines, as well as restitution to victims.
Common Types of Dating App Scams
It’s usually not that difficult to tell when a person is acting maliciously. However, when it comes to dating scams, it can be tricky because of the extensive use of public social media and a desire to connect romantically with someone. Below are some common tactics cybercriminals use to scam people out of thousands of dollars.
One of the most common types of scams is catfishing. Catfishers use false identities or fake photos to create an entirely new persona to gain someone’s trust and affection. They often start by asking their victims for money or other favors, so it’s essential to be aware that not everyone who appears online is who they say they are.
Romance scams involve individuals pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship but using it to extract money from their victims. These scams usually start with a long online chat where the scammer builds trust with their target before asking for financial assistance or costly items such as jewelry or electronics.
Phishing scams are also commonly found on dating sites and apps. These scammers pretend to be legitimate website members by creating accounts that appear legitimate at first glance. However, instead of chatting with potential dates, they will try to get your personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, by sending malicious links through messages or emails that promise free membership access if you click on them.
Online Dating Extortion
Blackmail scams occur when cybercriminals use victims’ personal information against them and threaten to expose their secrets if their demands are unmet. They can threaten to reveal any damaging information a victim does not want to be made public. Their demands typically consist of money, services, or access to more data.
Sextortion scams are a form of blackmail similar to romance and catfish scams. Scammers hide their identities and gain the trust of their victims. They manipulate their victims into sending sexual content and then use that content to blackmail them out of money. These criminals threaten to expose their victims online and to family and friends if they don’t pay their demands.
Some believe that paying will put an end to the threats, but this is almost never the case. There are many cases where victims give in to the demands of their blackmailers. However, these criminals will often come back and ask for more money, causing the cycle of abuse to continue until victims reach out for help from experts.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Most victims are unaware of the proper steps they should take after being scammed, which can worsen the situation. If you suspect you have been scammed, take these steps immediately:
- Stop all contact. Do not respond to any further messages, but avoid blocking right away. This can potentially lead to retaliation and the deletion of critical evidence.
- Document all relevant evidence, including names, emails, phone numbers, and account details. Take screenshots and save them on a secure device.
- It’s important not to send any more money to the scammer, no matter how guilty they try to make you feel or the threats they may cause.
- Secure all of your online accounts. Use heightened privacy settings to limit who can reach you. Update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Report the scammer’s dating profile on the platform where you met, so they can investigate and potentially remove the account to protect others.
- Report the Blackmail to your local police, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and cybercrime experts, who can help track down the culprit.
- If you have shared financial information with the scammers, alert your bank to stop any pending transactions.
How to Report a Dating Scammer
As we explained above, it’s critical to report dating scams. But how do you do this, and where do you start? First, report the incident to the dating site or social media application where the person contacted you and alert them of what happened. Most platforms have an option where users can easily report suspicious activity directly.
You should also contact your local police to file an official complaint. You can typically do this by going to your local station or contacting the department over the phone. Your local police may be able to help resolve the case. If not, the report serves as documentation of your case, and local authorities can provide guidance on the next reporting steps.
If the case exceeds the jurisdiction of your local police, you should report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You can do this by filling out the complaint form on their online portal or contacting your local field office. The FBI can help collaborate with agencies across state and national borders, and each report helps them track cybercrime trends.
You can also report the crime to cybersecurity professionals, such as the ones here at Cyber Investigation. We are experts in handling online dating scams and related cybercrimes, such as internet sextortion and online blackmail. A professional investigation can help you uncover evidence to support your case.
How to Avoid Online Dating Scams
Refrain from Oversharing
The best rule of thumb in avoiding most online scams is to avoid oversharing online. This is even true with recipients that you know and trust in real life, but it’s especially important with digital strangers. You should refrain from disclosing personally identifiable information (PII), such as your full name, location, place of employment, and financial details. It’s also wise to avoid sexting and other intimate online behaviors. Remember that once you press send, the content you share is no longer within your control.
Know the Warning Signs
Recognizing the warning signs is the first step in avoiding falling victim to a romance scammer. Pay attention if someone you meet online quickly asks you for money or encourages you to make large purchases on their behalf. Be wary of anyone constantly asking for favors or seeming overly eager for your personal information, such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers. If you decide to meet up with someone in person, always meet in a public place and tell a friend where you’re going and whom you’re meeting with.
Research Before Meeting Up
It can be tempting to jump right into a relationship without taking the time to research your potential partner. However, it can save you from getting scammed in the long run. Take some time before meeting up with someone online to investigate their background, search their name online, and look for any red flags that could indicate they may be trying to scam you.
Be Wary of Requests for Money
If someone requests money from you while courting online or even after meeting up several times, that should be an immediate red flag that something may be wrong. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Honest relationships do not usually involve requests for money or expensive gifts immediately, especially if they come from someone you have never met.
How Cyber Investigation Can Help
Unfortunately, no matter how careful we are in our online interactions, there will always be some risk when interacting with strangers online. However, understanding how romance scams work can go a long way toward protecting yourself from them in the future.
With knowledge comes power, so do not give scammers the upper hand by remaining unaware of how these scams work. If we all remain vigilant, we can help reduce the number of victims falling prey to these kinds of schemes each year.
If you are a victim of a dating scam or are facing online dating extortion, contact Cyber Investigation for expert guidance. Do not face dating app scams alone; reach out to our sextortion helpline today!
