It's a well known fact that scammers have been around for decades. For those of you that are old enough to remember the ...
It's a well known fact that scammers have been around for decades. For those of you that are old enough to remember the letters mailed from your rich cousin who is a prince and will happily pay you back when he gets to the U.S.? He even made it into the classifieds in the newspaper! Scammers have always taken advantage of people's trust and social media platforms have only made it easier for them to do so. Here is a new low... Have you hear of the Tinder Swindler? This scammer uses the dating app to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.
The scam works much of how you would guess it does, by creating a fake profile and establishing a relationship with the target. This is done by building trust through friendly conversation, and building a "relationship" with the victim. Once they feel they have their prey on the hook, they will start asking for personal information or money. This can take the form of a crisis situation, an emotional plea for help or money to travel to the victim so they can finally meet in person.
Unfortunately, social media scams are becoming increasingly common. According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, reports of social media scams have increased by over 450% in the past three years. This shows just how effective scammers have become at exploiting people's trust through these platforms.
To avoid becoming a victim themselves, individuals need to be aware of these scams and take steps to verify the identity of those they meet online. This can be done by doing research on the person's background, using reverse image search on their profile picture, or checking their social media profiles.
Scammers like the Tinder Swindler exploit a fundamental aspect of human nature – trust – to manipulate individuals through social media platforms. With the rise of these types of scams, it is crucial for individuals to be cautious and take steps to protect themselves. By being aware and vigilant, individuals can avoid falling victim to these scams and keep their personal information, money and their pride, safe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Social Media & Online Dating Scams
What are social media and online dating scams?
These are scams where criminals create fake profiles or identities on social platforms or dating apps to gain trust, then trick people into sending money, sharing personal data, or clicking malicious links.
How can I tell if someone on social media or a dating app is a scammer?
Common red flags include moving the conversation off the platform quickly, refusing video calls, stories that don’t add up, sudden declarations of love, and frequent requests for money or gift cards.
What should I do if someone I met online asks for money?
Do not send money, gift cards, crypto, or bank details. Stop chatting, block or report the account on the platform, and talk to a trusted friend or family member about what’s happening.
How can I protect myself from social media and dating scams?
Keep profiles private, be cautious about what you share, verify photos and details with a quick search, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share financial or sensitive information with someone you only know online.