Swiping Left on Scams: Protecting Yourself on Dating Apps
Driven by the hope of finding lasting love, millions rely on online dating platforms. However, this widespread use has led to a significant increase in romance scams, costing victims a staggering $1.3 billion between 2017 and 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This makes romance scams the costliest type of fraud reported to the FTC during that period.
Dating apps are unfortunately attractive to scammers for a number of reasons, such as emotional vulnerability and the anonymity and ease of creating fake profiles. At Vision Bank, we are here for you and want to help protect your financial well-being. This post will explore common dating app scams and provide essential tips to help you stay safe while navigating the online dating world.
Why Dating Apps Attract Scammers
Although scammers operate across various online platforms, dating apps offer a unique combination of factors that make them particularly appealing.
People on dating apps often actively seek connection, intimacy, and even love. This makes them more vulnerable to emotional manipulation, which is a key tactic used by scammers. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by creating a false sense of trust and intimacy, making victims more likely to send money or personal information.
Dating apps have millions of users from diverse backgrounds and locations, providing a wide pool of potential victims. This anonymity and reach make it easier for scammers to hide behind fake profiles and target a large number of people simultaneously.
It's relatively easy for scammers to create fake profiles using stolen photos and fabricated information. Many dating apps have limited verification processes, making it difficult to detect these fake profiles.
Dating apps allow scammers to build relationships with victims over time, gradually gaining their trust and making their requests for money or personal information seem more legitimate. This "grooming" process can take weeks or even months, making it harder for victims to recognize the scam.
The fact that scammers often operate from different countries than their victims and utilize identity-masking technology creates significant obstacles for law enforcement, compounded by the issue of victim underreporting.
Common Types of Dating App Scams
Knowing what to look for is essential. We're going to break down some of the most common dating app scams so you can stay safe.
Scammers create fake profiles with stolen photos and fabricated stories, building a false sense of intimacy before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or opportunities. They might claim they need money for a plane ticket to visit you, medical bills, or a business opportunity.
Scammers impersonate military personnel stationed overseas to gain sympathy and request financial assistance. They often use elaborate stories about deployments, needing money for leave, or needing help accessing their military funds.
Scammers lure victims into fake investment schemes promising high returns with little risk. These often involve cryptocurrency, foreign exchange markets, or other complex investments.
Scammers obtain compromising photos or information and threaten to expose it unless they receive money. This can involve webcam recordings or private messages.
Spotting a Scammer
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new online connection, but it's important to proceed with caution. Scammers are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating convincing personas. Learning to recognize the warning signs can help you avoid heartbreak and financial loss. Here are common red flags to watch out for:
- Discrepancies in profile information, photos, or stories. For instance, their profile might say they live nearby, but their story suggests they travel constantly.
- Moving too quickly by professing love or strong feelings, often within days or even hours of connecting.
- Reluctance to meet in person or via video chat by consistently making excuses to avoid face-to-face contact.
- Requests for money are the biggest red flag. Never send money to someone you've met online and haven't met in person.
- Poor grammar and spelling can indicate a foreign scammer or someone rushing to create multiple profiles.
- Reverse image search using Google Images to check if profile photos are being used elsewhere online. This can reveal if the photos are stolen.
- Be cautious if someone is asking for personal information such as your address, bank details, or social security number too soon.
Protecting Yourself
- Be cautious of overly flattering profiles: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don't share personal information quickly: Be careful about sharing your address, phone number, financial information, or other sensitive details.
- Never send money or financial information: This is the most important rule. No legitimate romantic interest will ask you for money online.
- Use reputable dating apps: Stick to well-known and established apps with stronger security measures.
- Report suspicious profiles: Report any suspected scams to the dating app platform.
- Talk to someone you trust: Discuss any concerns with a friend or family member. A second opinion can be invaluable.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
Proactive Steps to Safeguard Your Personal Information
To help you protect your finances from all types of scams, including those encountered on dating apps, Vision Bank offers a number of security resources and encourages you to take proactive steps.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online or over the phone.
Never provide sensitive information like your social security number, account numbers, passwords, or PINs unless you initiated the contact and are certain of the recipient's identity. Vision Bank and other legitimate organizations will never ask for this information via unsolicited email, text, or phone calls.
- Be wary of phishing emails, texts, and calls.
Do not click on links or open attachments from suspicious emails or texts. Instead, go directly to the organization's website or call them using a known phone number. Be aware that scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate organization.
- Use strong and unique passwords.
Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, including your banking accounts. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthday, or address. Consider using a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely.
- Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts regularly.
Review your credit reports and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your bank and the credit bureaus.
- Use secure Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for online banking or other sensitive transactions. Use a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network or your mobile data connection.
- Keep your software and devices updated.
Install the latest software updates and security patches for your computer, smartphone, and other devices. This helps protect against malware and other security threats.
- Use Vision Bank's security features.
Take advantage of Vision Bank's security features, such as two-factor authentication, account alerts, and transaction monitoring. Add details about card control and a link to the educational videos on how to use!
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam or notice any unauthorized activity on your accounts, contact us immediately.
Feel Safe Banking at Vision Bank
At Vision Bank, we want you to have all the digital security resources you need to avoid getting scammed. Timeout features for online banking and encryption technology protect your sensitive information. Multi-factor authentication, deposit holds and required identification to process in-person transactions all help to keep your money safe.
If you think you've been the victim of an online dating app scam or other scam, contact us or visit one of our many South-Central Oklahoma locations and speak to a representative.