How to Protect Your Device From Online Dating Scams

Around Valentine’s Day, more people are using dating apps, and more people are installing and uninstalling dating apps. Cybercriminals typically take advantage of this increase in online activity by creating fake dating profiles that are run by bots. These bots are designed to trick you into clicking on a malicious link that will typically lead to porn or malicious websites, but they may also contain viruses or spyware.

Any of this can lead to phishing attacks, your personal information being stolen, your device being compromised, or blackmail, among other issues. Click here to quickly scan your device for malware and security threats now:

Be Aware of the Various Scams

There are many ways that your device and personal information can be compromised, beyond malicious bots. Cybercriminals are strengthening their approach to online dating scams: they are able to do this by exploiting insecure or weak profiles, using phishing scams, luring individuals to click on malicious links, blackmailing users, and creating fake profiles, among others.

Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you with a sob story, asks you for money, asks for sensitive photos (they could be used as blackmail), or seems too good to be true. While fake profiles with bots are very common, so are fake profiles with stock photos or stolen photos and information. If a friendly “stranger” or acquaintance sends you a link, be cautious of clicking it: it could be malicious. Further, be sure to report and block any suspicious profiles, so that these fake profiles cannot scam anyone else.

How to Stay Safe While Online Dating

In addition to scanning your device regularly for malware, be sure to create strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. You may want to use a different username or email address for online dating profiles. Weak passwords or common information between accounts can lead to hackers gaining access to your profile, which can lead to identity theft and more. Also, make sure that the dating apps and sites that you’re using are well-known and as secure as possible.