Cybercriminals are preying on individuals’ concerns about online dating by coaxing them into downloading fake “verification” apps in order to steal their information and money. The FBI issued a warning on Friday regarding this scam, likening it to romance scams and other deceitful schemes that have become more prevalent in recent years.
According to the FBI, scammers meet their victims on dating websites or apps and quickly urge them to switch to an encrypted service for communication. The fraudster then sends a link to the victim, supposedly for a “free” verification process to protect against potential predators. Once the victim clicks on the link, they are directed to a website that appears to be legitimate, but in reality, is fake. The victim is prompted to enter personal information like their name, phone number, email, and credit card details to complete the process.
After obtaining the victim’s information, they are redirected to another dating site that requires a monthly subscription fee. The scammers aim to not only get the recurring fee charged to the victim’s card but also to use the initial information for identity theft or to sell on the dark web.
This scheme is a new iteration of pig butchering tactics, which try to gain victims’ trust before extracting funds in various ways. As awareness of butchering scams has increased globally, people have begun seeking ways to verify individuals they meet on dating platforms, inadvertently exposing themselves to these fraudulent verification websites.
The FBI advises individuals to avoid moving conversations away from reputable dating sites, as most of them offer some level of protection and safety features. People should also be cautious of individuals who profess their love quickly or send provocative images immediately.
With an uptick in reports of individuals devastated by romance scams, governments worldwide have been prompted to take more decisive action. Law enforcement agencies and companies in the U.S., China, and other countries are working to disrupt scam operations and prosecute those involved in laundering stolen funds.
