In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern romance, online dating apps have become a ubiquitous avenue for people seeking love and companionship. With millions of users on platforms like Tinder, Bumble, okCupid, and more, nobody can deny the convenience and allure of digital matchmaking. However, this digital evolution is not without its darker side, raising concerns about the safety and security of users in the realm of online dating. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching it is important to consider the rise of phishing scams likely to be present across these platforms, and how to spot them.
The Rise of Catfishing and Impersonation
The term “catfishing” has become a familiar one, referring to the deceptive practice of creating a fake online persona to lure unsuspecting victims into giving away personal info or tricking them into a scam. The risks associated with online dating extend beyond the realm of mere impersonation, as highlighted by true-crime stories like “Dirty John.” This chilling narrative follows a con artist who exploited dating apps to prey on unsuspecting individuals, posing as a doctor and inflicting significant harm on his victims.
Some of the most common strategies used by these fake users include:
· Bot profiles — Scammers will create fake bot accounts, often using AI generated images, or images stolen from the internet. These profiles will use a chat bot that is designed to probe you for information by asking you personal questions.
· Suspicious links — Often scammers will send suspicious links used to steal your data. When using a dating app, you should not click on any link a user shares with you, regardless of what they claim it to be.
· Exchange of personal info — Scammers will try to deceive users into a false sense of security by getting to know them. They may then try to ask you for more personal info such as your email, phone number, or address. If a user asks for this information or threatens to take you out of the app, they are a scammer in disguise.
· Blackmail — Another common strategy of these scammers is to attempt to blackmail users by either sending them compromising photos, or exchanging intimate messages with the user, and threatening to expose them. In these situations, it is best to report these users immediately and block all further messages from them.
· Emergency scenarios — Scammers will often try to play the sympathy card, crafting false scenarios in which they desperately need money. This is a big red flag. If someone on a dating app asks you for money, it is a scam.
Knowing how to spot these frauds is crucial for users who want to be able to navigate these apps safely, it is important for users to report these scams when they see them to help get these users off the platform.
Are Dating Sites Doing Enough?
User education plays a key role in combating phishing attacks. Many dating sites invest in educating their users about potential frauds and phishing threats. They provide guidelines on recognizing suspicious behavior, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and reporting any concerns to the platform. Dating sites have implemented a variety of verification methods such as email verification, photo, or phone number verification. While these methods have helped to reduce fraudulent activities on these platforms, bad actors are always finding new ways to exploit whatever current systems are in place.
The amount of accountability these sites should have for their user’s safety is a lingering question. What more can be done to satisfy the need for a proper vetting system for their users? Implementing standardized background checks has long been a demand of users. When considering whether or not you are going to meet a stranger in public for a date, knowing they have a clean criminal history should be the bear minimum for using these platforms. The issue of safety becomes even more pressing when considering the alarming statistics: over 16,000 abductions, one hundred murders, and thousands of assaults are attributed to internet predators each year.
A critical example from 2017 sheds light on the vulnerabilities of even well-known dating platforms. A Massachusetts woman reported a rape after matching with a registered sex offender on a popular site. Shockingly, the platform admitted to limitations in their safety protocols, citing the inability to conduct a uniform screening for sexual offenders due to inadequate user information.
The Call For Revolutionized Safety Protocols
The efforts of dating platforms to institute greater safety measures have not gone unappreciated, but the real core of the issue remains unaddressed. There still is no real user verification process that cannot be bypassed with a few loopholes. Bad actors can always find new ways to create fake emails or provide false information which can still label them as “verified” on these platforms without any True verification taking place. The one thing that no Scammer can fake however, is the information which is unique to each individual, Biometric & Biographic data.
Reusable Verified Identity and Screening.
One proposed solution is the integration of an independent screening platform offering reusable verified credentials. This additional layer of security aims to instill confidence in users by verifying the identity and background of potential matches. By incorporating digitally verified credentials, dating sites can prioritize user safety while minimizing friction during the onboarding process. Reusable verified ID verification and screening make Trust and safety as easy as the dating platform makes meeting new people. Once a person is screened, that credential is always kept current. You can have the ease of mind that you expect, on terms you control.
Every user has a responsibility to be careful about those they meet online, but when they use a well-established dating platform there is an expectation that the people they interact with have a similar goal in mind as they do. These platforms have an obligation to properly vet the users who come through, and that starts by adopting new methods of verifying users, beyond the standard manual attestation methods used today.