Online dating services have the highest rate of scamming attempts. In 2019, the FBI formally charged 80 people for stealing $46 million through a network of schemes targeting users of online dating platforms. Here are few similar instances:
In 2017, a scammer was caught after defrauding a total of $1.7 million among 30 victims. One way he stole money was to ask a victim apply for a credit card, get a cash advance, then send him a money wire to South Africa.
Another instance: In 2016, a Japanese woman sent her online boyfriend, who she thought was a U.S. Army Captain stationed in Syria, more than $200,000. Of course this left her bankrupt. Less than a year later, she found out her boyfriend didn’t exist, and that he was in a group of 14 cyber scammers based in Los Angeles and Nigeria.
There’s no way to build armor around yourself specifically for scammers; however, there are things you can do to enhance your safety when dating online.
First, keep your personal contact information private. For example, don’t put any identifying information on your dating profile. Along with this, set up your social media accounts with the highest security level, and limit the personal information you share on your accounts.
For more tips on how to stay safe and prevent heartbreak, continue reading to the information below on cybersecurity and online dating.
Infographic Source: https://www.ourdatingjourney.com/online-dating-and-cybersecurity/
