Online dating scams are not new. However, criminals on Tinder are now using online safety as a lure to trick users into giving up financial information. According to new research from Symantec, the makers of Norton consumer security products, criminals masquerading as Tinder users concerned for their safety are tricking other users into visiting a malicious third-party website to verify their profiles. The website, which looks strikingly like Tinder, is really a scam that racks up charges on the victim’s credit card.
Nick Shaw, Vice President and General Manager of Norton EMEA, said: “Scammers are naturally attracted to large online communities and the surge in online dating amongst millennials makes these sites a prime target. In the online world, as with anything in life, people aren’t always what they seem and while there are many legitimate daters on these sites, you still don’t fully know what kinds of people you’re dealing with. Therefore it’s important that you are vigilant so you can enjoy dating online without placing yourself in a vulnerable position.”
Tips
The IT security company offers some tips on how to stay safe while online dating:
– Avoid third-party websites: If someone from an online dating website asks you to visit a third-party website to sign up for a service, like a verified profile, it’s most likely a scam. It’s always a good idea to scrutinize links, especially from unknown or untrusted sources.
– Share with care: If you can, make sure your username doesn’t give away any identifying information, like your age or location, and always be careful about what you share in messages.
– Use a VPN: When using Wi-Fi, one of the best ways to protect the data coming in and out of your phone – like messages on a dating app – is to use a Virtual Privacy Network (VPN).
