Dating Apps Scams

New to online dating or want to learn the threats associated with dating apps or websites? Find out here.

Online dating has become the new norm for our generation, offering convenience and accessibility to anyone with a computer or smartphone. However, it has also turned into a cesspool for scammers preying on lonely individuals seeking connections. With the increasing popularity of these platforms, scammers are seizing the opportunity to exploit unsuspecting users.

One way to protect yourself is to be familiar with Sabrina Nichole, dubbed the “Woman whose face launched a thousand catfish scams” by Vice. Sabrina, a former Playboy model turned OnlyFans creator, has become a common target for scammers who use her images to create fake dating profiles on platforms like Instagram, luring unsuspecting victims into conversations that eventually lead to requests for money. Despite thinking you’re immune, these scammers can be remarkably persuasive. According to ScamWatch, Australians lost $4.8 million in July 2021 alone. While Sabrina is frequently impersonated, scammers also use images of lesser-known individuals. It’s crucial to be cautious about sharing personal information with online strangers, especially if they solicit money.

Another scam to be wary of is extortion. You may start chatting with someone, things escalate, and they suggest moving the conversation off the platform, often to Snapchat. After exchanging intimate messages or images, they threaten to share them with your contacts unless you pay a ransom. While some refuse to pay and face no consequences, others find their images circulated on Facebook after refusing to comply.

The third type of scam involves malicious websites designed to steal credentials. After connecting on a dating app, scammers may urge you to switch to a third-party chat app like Snapchat. In one instance, a scammer claimed to be a model with an ongoing show, providing a link for viewing. Upon testing the link with URL scan, it revealed dubious Russian websites. If you encounter similar situations, exercise caution and refrain from clicking on suspicious links.

Protect yourself, read more about Dating & Romance scams on ScamWatch.