Security News > 2021 > January > Investment Scammers Prey on Dating App Users, Interpol Warns

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of a surge in dating app users with a sophisticated fraud scheme, which convinces victims to join in on an investment opportunity - and ultimately drains their wallets.

"Interpol's Financial Crimes unit has received reports from around the world of this scam and is encouraging dating app users to be vigilant, be skeptical and be safe when entering into online relationships," according to Interpol, in a "Purple Notice" advisory sent to 194 countries.

In the first stages of the scam, the scammers establish a relationship with the victims via a dating app.

"The investment apps - and in some cases web links - proposed to victims are under the control of criminal enterprises," a Interpol spokesperson told Threatpost.

Hank Schless, senior manager of security solutions at Lookout, told Threatpost that malicious attacks launched through dating app platforms - like scams or phishing - highlights how mobile apps with a messaging function can be leveraged by malicious actors.

Interpol for its part warned dating app users to always remain vigilant when they are approached by someone they don't know, especially if it leads to a request for money; think twice before transferring any money; and to do their research on suspicious apps, by checking app reviews, the domain name and the affiliated email address.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/investment-scammers-dating-app-interpol/163179/