The FBI issued a warning (Alert Number: I-042624-PSA) about a new online dating scam targeting users with “free” verification services. Unlike traditional romance scams that focus on large, one-time transfers, this scheme aims to trick victims into signing up for recurring monthly subscriptions on low-quality dating sites. 

Users unknowingly give their consent to these unanticipated charges when they provide their personal and financial information in order to complete the fake verification process.  

Fraudsters leverage data harvesting techniques during registration processes to amass victim credentials, as this stolen information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and credit card details, fuels a range of cybercrimes. 

The data can be directly exploited for identity theft, where the criminal impersonates the victim for financial gain; subsequently, fraudsters might trade the pilfered information within illicit marketplaces on the dark web, empowering other criminals with the tools to commit further scams. 

Dating app scammers lure victims by feigning romantic interest and swiftly migrating communication to encrypted platforms. Under the pretense of safety, they send a link to a website offering a “free” verification service to weed out dangerous individuals. 

According to the FBI, this website features fabricated news articles to bolster its credibility and attempts to trick victims into sharing personal information or potentially even financial details.

A phishing website masquerades as a verification portal to trick users into surrendering personal and financial details like name, phone number, email address, and credit card information. 

Upon submission, the user is unknowingly redirected to a low-quality dating site with hidden premium membership fees, which results in unauthorized charges on the victim’s credit card statement from an unidentified source. 

When interacting with new online matches, prioritize the dating platform’s secure communication channels to mitigate phishing attempts, and refrain from downloading attachments or clicking unverified links to prevent malware infections. 

Maintain vigilance for red flags like overly affectionate language, urgent financial requests, or sexually suggestive content, as these could be tactics used by social engineers to exploit your trust for financial gain, and report any suspicious profiles to the dating platform for investigation and terminate communication immediately. 

To prevent online fraud, employ strong financial hygiene, by regularly scrutinizing financial accounts for unauthorized transactions, and upon detecting suspicious activity, promptly notify your bank or credit card issuer and consider deactivating the compromised account. 

When subscribing to online services, utilize a designated credit card with a low spending limit or opt for virtual credit cards, be wary of websites employing pressure tactics and independently verify the legitimacy of any information encountered online. 

For continuous vigilance, stay informed about the latest fraud tactics through reputable sources like the FBI’s IC3 website. 

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