Security News > 2021 > September > FTC warns of extortionists targeting LGBTQ+ community on dating apps
The US Federal Trade Commission warns of extortion scammers targeting the LGBTQ+ community via online dating apps such as Grindr and Feeld.
As the FTC revealed, the fraudsters would pose as potential romantic partners on LGBTQ+ dating apps, sending explicit photos and asking their targets to reciprocate.
"To make their threats more credible, these scammers will tell you the names of exactly who they plan to contact if you don't pay up. This is information scammers can find online by using your phone number or your social media profile," the FTC said.
The FTC advises LGBTQ+ dating apps users to avoid sharing explicit photos unless they're sure who is on the other end of a chat or with people they've just met online.
Online dating platforms including Grindr and Feeld have also warned their users in the past to be aware that scammers might target them.
Grindr warns that "Social media and dating apps are a prime target for these bad actors, as scammers seek to exploit people looking to make meaningful connections."