Tag: dating apps

Expert reveals 7 tips to avoid online dating scams

Navigating the world of online dating can be tricky and it’s important not to lose sight of the potential dangers and scams that you may encounter whilst engaging with other potential matches.

That’s why security expert Nathan Daniels from VPNOverview.com has outlined 7 steps you can take to protect yourself when dating online to ensure you don’t have a negative experience.

Turn off location tracking

Many dating apps require that you turn on location tracking. This means you have to allow these apps to view your location. Dating apps use this information to get you into contact with people who are close to you geographically.

Of course, this is a very useful feature. Nevertheless, it’s understandable you might not want to share your exact location with a dating app, or with any service for that matter.

It is strongly recommended to turn off geo-tracking once you’re no longer actively using your dating app. That way, at the very least, you prevent the app from tracking you constantly.

Request a video chat (before your first date)

Another great safe online dating tip is to filter out fake dating profiles by requesting a video call. In fact, it can be a regular call as well, although video chatting is definitely better. Most people with fake profiles will be very reluctant to have a call, especially if a video is involved.

Obviously, it’s much easier for scammers to deceive their victims through text messages and sending someone else’s pictures. If they were to agree to a call, they would most likely just be discovered as fraudsters. As such, if someone refuses to have a (video) call, you might just be dealing with a fake profile.

Of course, you might be dealing with someone who is serious about meeting up at some point. In that case, a video call or a regular call is very useful as well. It will help you to gauge the other user’s intentions and character a little bit. This could help you avoid some dangerous scenarios.

Don’t connect your dating profiles to other social media or platforms

It might be tempting, for convenience reasons, to just log in on a dating app with your Facebook account or your main Google account. However, it is strongly recommend to not do this, as it’s a potential privacy hazard. Just think about it – you’re connecting a profile that’s intended for friends and family to a platform where you’ll be contacting tons of people you don’t know. Instead try using another way to log in, that can’t be traced back to you. One method, for instance, would be to create a Google account with random information that doesn’t contain any of your personal data.

Choose pictures you don’t use elsewhere

By using a reverse image search, someone can easily use your dating profile pictures against you. They can simply use this Google tool to find other pages where the images appear. This way, they’ll easily find out your personal information, even if you didn’t include it on your dating profile.

As such, it is recommended to only use pictures on your dating profile that you’re not using anywhere else. This also means it’s a bad idea to allow Tinder or other dating apps to simply pull pictures from Facebook or other social media accounts.

Report suspicious activity and inappropriate behaviour

Many dating apps have ways to report profiles and/or inappropriate behaviour. This comes in handy when you come across a (potentially) fake profile or behaviour that makes you uncomfortable. By reporting the profile involved, you will make your own and others’ dating experiences safer.

After you report an account, the respective dating app will generally launch an investigation. If someone’s profile is found to be fake or they are found guilty of inappropriate behaviour, their account will be deleted.

Types of suspicious or inappropriate activity you might encounter on dating apps include the following:

  • Fake profiles. Always be wary if you see a profile that’s unverified, offers little information, or seems too good to be true.
  • Money demands. If someone asks you for money, there’s a good chance they’re a catfish.
  • Requests for explicit pictures. The person requesting these pictures might plan on sextorting you.
  • Inappropriate messages, such as messages containing threats or sexual intimidation.
  • Unacceptable behaviour during a physical meeting exhibited by the people you meet.
  • Messages where people try to sell you something or get you to do something unrelated to dating (spam).
  • Rejection of video calls, even after chatting with someone for a long time. This might indicate you’re dealing with a fake account.

Many dating platforms also offer the possibility of blocking a specific user. This is a great option if someone is bothering you and you don’t want to have them contact you while you’re awaiting the results of the dating app’s investigation after reporting them.

Be wary of malicious files and pages

Some catfish operate by infecting their victims’ devices with malware. Rather than asking you for money, they might attempt to infect your system with a keylogger, in the hope. of getting their hands on your financial data.

That’s why it’s recommended to not download or click on any files that a new chat partner might send you. It’s best to wait until you know them a bit better and trust the,. The same goes for visiting links they send you – both can contain dangerous malware.

Apart from always being vigilant, we recommend getting a solid antivirus solution to protect yourself from malware.

Delete your account when you’re done dating

Have you finally met your soul mater? Or have you had your fill of casual dating fun? Either way, consider another valuable safe online dating tip, and make sure to delete your online dating account once you’re done dating.

Deleting your dating profile will erase (most of) your personal information on the dating platform in question. As a result, it will be much more difficult for others to abuse your personal information.

Love Match: UK Government partners with leading dating apps to boost vaccine uptake

Apps to provide bonuses, stickers and profile badges for vaccinated users as poll shows most dating adults support vaccination.

  • Partnership comes as recent YouGov poll shows 59% of adults would either prefer their date to be vaccinated or wouldn’t date an unvaccinated person
  • Young adults encouraged to take up the offer of a vaccine as under 30s to be invited in the coming days

Leading dating brands including Tinder, Match, Hinge, Bumble, Badoo, Plenty of Fish, OurTime and Muzmatch have teamed up with the government to encourage their users to get COVID-19 vaccinations through a new campaign.

From today, the country’s leading dating brands will add new features to their apps and websites to support the government’s ‘every vaccination gives us hope’ campaign. The campaign encourages younger people to get their vaccine in the second phase of the rollout, and join the millions who have already received their jabs.

The new features will allow users to show their support for the vaccine on their dating profiles and give in-app bonuses to those who say they are vaccinated.

Features will include vaccination badges and stickers to display on dating profiles, free “Super Likes” and other boost-type features.

Users will also start seeing adverts and banners for the ‘every vaccination gives us hope’ campaign.

Although providing vaccination status on these apps is optional, data has shown that people are more likely to date someone who has received a COVID-19 vaccination.

A recent YouGov poll conducted on 21 May also shows 31% of adults would prefer to date someone who was vaccinated and a further 28% would not date someone unless they had received the jab.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “I am thrilled that we are partnering up with dating apps to boost vaccine uptake across the country. This is another incredible asset to our vaccination programme – the biggest and most successful in our history.

“The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and we have made incredible progress so far with over three quarters of adults receiving at least one dose.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to roll up their sleeves and get the jab – it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”

Examples of vaccine promotion campaigns launching across dating platforms in the UK include:

  • Tinder: members will be able to add a variety of stickers to their profile including “I’m Vaccinated” or “Vaccines Save Lives,” with Tinder giving those who support the campaign a free “Super Like” to help them stand out among potential matches. Tinder will also launch a “Vaccine Center” with a suite of resources to educate and connect members with their nearest vaccination site.
  • Match & Ourtime: members will be able to add a new badge to their profile to display their vaccine status, with those who participate in the campaign receiving a free “Boost” to help them stand out on the app. Match’s AI-enabled Dating Coach, Lara, will also encourage Match users to get their vaccination badge.
  • OkCupid: users will be able to add an “I’m Vaccinated” profile badge and be featured within OkCupid’s “Vaccinated” stack, its new matching system that lets users search by select categories on the app. Those who participate will also receive a free “Boost.”
  • Hinge: users who participate in their vaccination campaign will get a free “Rose,” which indicates to other users that they’re excited to get to know them.
  • Plenty of Fish: members will be able to add an “I Got My Shot” badge to their profiles. Those who participate will receive 20 Live! credits to use on the Plenty of Fish Live streaming feature.
  • Bumble: the popular women-first dating app will enable people in the UK to add a “vaccinated” badge to their profiles. For those who apply the badge, Bumble will offer complimentary credits for premium features such as Spotlights and Superswipes. People on Bumble will also be able to share COVID-19 preferences, letting them easily communicate how they are comfortable dating: outdoors or indoors, how they feel about crowded spaces, and their expectations about masks and social-distancing. Bumble will also leverage their social media channels to amplify the need to get vaccinated.
  • Badoo: in-app promotions will enable people in the UK to add a “vaccinated” badge to their profiles. In addition, Badoo will offer vaccinated people complimentary credits for premium features such as Spotlights and Superswipes. Badoo will also leverage their social media channels to amplify the need to get vaccinated.
  • Muzmatch: content featuring medics answering users’ most pressing questions about the vaccine will run across social media channels.

Alexandre Lubot, CEO of Match Group, EMEA and APAC said: “An important part of returning to normal is helping people feel safe as they connect in person.

“We are honoured to work with the UK government to encourage our members to participate in the vaccination campaign across our dating platforms.

“A unified push towards more vaccinations will allow people to once again meet in person and connect in meaningful ways.”

Online Dating Association Chief Executive George Kidd said: “The ODA were delighted to play its part in getting the message out on vaccinations.

“Dating apps and services are the start point for about a third of all new relationships. When meeting in person was not possible, services were an important way of meeting others online, with the hope of meeting up later when safe to do so.

“About 10 million people in the UK use or have used dating apps and services. Our members account for most of this user base. We shared campaign video or advertising on apps, landing pages and through social media channels.

“For us, every step to a return to people meeting up, making new friends and starting new relationships is a step forward for us all.”

Naomi Walkland, Bumble’s Vice President for Europe said: “We know that single people are looking to take control of their dating lives as we head into summer. The ‘Covid conversation’ is already front of mind for 2 in 3 people on Bumble, so it’s important to make it easier to feel comfortable and safe on a date.

“To do this, we’ll launch a new “vaccinated” badge along with in-app preferences so you can easily communicate if you’re comfortable dating indoors or outdoors only.

“In support of the Government’s vaccination campaign, we will also direct people in-app to learn how to get vaccinated, including linking to educational materials and information on how to find the nearest vaccination site through the NHS.”

Shahzad Younas, Founder, CEO, Muzmatch said: “We at Muzmatch are really thrilled to be working with the UK government on the vaccine campaign.

“We understand the concerns young Muslims have regarding the vaccination, in particular those that are in the process of getting married. Misinformation has been spreading at an alarming rate in our communities, which is why we’re glad to work with the NHS to clear up myths about the vaccine and encourage our members to get vaccinated.

“As a marriage app helping single Muslims find love, we knew when the pandemic hit we had to act fast to ensure people could meet safely. We were the first Muslim marriage app that rolled out Video and Voice Calling for our members so that they could meet on virtual dates.

“As we begin to return to a new normal, it’s vital that young Muslims do so by getting vaccinated, to ensure the safety of not only themselves but their loved ones too.”

James Preece, the UK’s top celebrity dating expert and dating coach, said: “There’s no doubt that dating has been different and somewhat difficult for many individuals over the last 13 months.

“Having the vaccine is one of the most important things people can do to keep themselves and others safe.

“The fact that the leading dating apps have come together to support members being vaccinated will go a long way to people feeling confident meeting in person and dating again.”

The partnership comes as people aged 30 and over are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The UK government has already hit its target of offering everyone in cohorts 1 to 9 – those aged 50 and over, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers – a first dose of the vaccine by 15 April. It’s on track to offer a jab to all adults in the UK by the end of July.

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms. Vaccinated people are even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital or to die from it. There is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.

Looking for romance? Scammers are looking for you too

The dark web has 10 billion open records available to scammers

Hooking up with a person online, having a lot of things in common, and sharing the same dreams sounds exhilarating, especially for a lonely person aged 40 to 69.

Sadly, the scenario might not be the result of Cupid’s carefully aimed arrow, but a methodologically plotted romance scam — a long-term plan to take advantage of someone who is prepared to give everything away just to see their beloved.

How do scammers find their victims?

Just like businesses analyze consumer behavior to base their decisions on data, scammers analyze stolen identity records to find patterns of loneliness.

According to NordPass’s research, the web is swirling with exposed databases. Recently, researchers have identified a total of 9,517 unsecured databases containing 10,463,315,645 entries with such data as emails, passwords, and phone numbers.  This data can be picked up by scammers whenever they like.

“Behind every single leaked record on the dark web is a person. The number of records suggests that some people’s data has been leaked from multiple sources. This allows scammers to build a comprehensive picture of a person. The fishnet gets tighter if the source of data is a dating site, app, or platform,” says Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert at NordVPN.

Financial loss is upsetting, but emotional pain is even harder to deal with. Moreover, when victims are entangled in their romance, they get blindsided and even distance themselves from their friends and family to prevent their “relationship” from being challenged or intervened. Multiple studies also show that victims of romance scams usually remain silent.

Red flags

Scammers first approach their victims with emails full of flattery.

Below is an example received from a woman whose data was leaked from LinkedIn in May 2016. She was contacted by the scammer only in May 2020:

“Your beauty and your charming smile caught my eyes, it will be a great honor to know more about you, I am very interested in communicating more <…>.”

Scammers usually pretend they can’t meet because of their occupation: they say they are doctors working for international organizations, soldiers, or businessmen trapped in a hostile country. Some sad stories involve women losing $200,000 and still thinking they are loved.

In 2019, 200 million US dollars was spent on romance scams, which is almost 40% more than in 2018. The same year, more than 25,000 reports  were filed with the FTC regarding romance scams. Moreover, the topic of romance scams is among the most visited on FraudSupport.org.

NordVPN’s digital privacy expert Daniel Markuson warns: “Even if you or your relatives seem to be scam resistant, establishing a protected internet browsing infrastructure is a good precaution.”

Quick scam-proofing algorithm:

  1. Check if the email address you are using has been leaked. If it has, change the password immediately. Create a new email address unrelated to the compromised one.
  2. Set your VPN settings to “always on”. That way, it will establish a secure connection every time you go online. This will help protect you from malware and fraudsters.
  3. Be more cautious with new people who contact you. Scammers tend to first express their fascination with the targeted person and later ask them for money to pay for a plane ticket, cover medical expenses, help to solve life-threatening debts, or cover expenses on a visa and other official travel documents.

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