Fraudsters use verification schemes to target dating website users

The FBI has warned about fraudsters who use deceptive verification techniques to target online dating platform users. Based on reports, this newly discovered scheme can potentially cause significant financial losses and severe privacy violations.

The law enforcement agency explained that the perpetrators of this campaign contact unwary people on dating apps or websites, creating a false sense of trust and intimacy. Next, they recommend taking the conversation to a supposedly safer site outside the dating app.

 

Fraudsters can start using their malicious capabilities once they lure their targets into their controlled environment.

 

Once off the platform, the fraudsters send the victim a link that would take them to an allegedly reputable verification website. This website fraudulently promises to protect users by validating their identities as a deterrent to malicious entities, such as sex offenders or serial killers.

Under the guise of a safety measure, victims are prompted to provide sensitive personal information such as their full name, phone number, email address, and credit card information. Subsequently, the fraudsters will use fake articles and misleading information to fool victims into believing the verification process is authentic.

After completing the verification, victims are sent to another dating site, with an unidentifiable recurring charge appearing on their credit card statement.

There are multiple consequences of falling victim to these strategies. First, users are subject to financial exploitation due to unauthorised monthly payments to their credit cards. Second, disclosing personal information puts people at risk of identity theft and other crimes.

To lessen the danger of falling prey to these fraudulent schemes, users should exercise caution when conversing with others on dating apps, particularly those urging them to migrate to other platforms. In addition, potential victims of these schemes should be vigilant of unsolicited requests for personal information and not provide sensitive information to unknown sources.

Everyone should be aware of these new criminal tactics that could harm their reputation and cause financial loss, especially users of dating apps. All users must remain vigilant in order to combat online fraud and other malicious efforts.