Security News > 2024 > April > FBI warns of fake verification schemes targeting dating app users
The FBI is warning of fake verification schemes promoted by fraudsters on online dating platforms that lead to costly recurring subscription charges.
The public service announcement explains that contrary to romance scams that often combine investment fraud like "Pig butchering," these verification schemes rely on recurring monthly charges for the victim.
It starts with fraudsters approaching victims on a dating app or site and developing a romantic rapport.
"Under the guise of safety, the fraudster provides a link that directs the victim to a website advertising a"free" verification process to protect against establishing a relationship with predators, such as sex offenders or serial killers," explains FBI's PSA. "The website displays fake articles alluding to the legitimacy of the website. The verification website prompts the victim to provide information such as their name, phone number, email address, and credit card number to complete the process."
Once the verification process is over, the victim is redirected to a low-quality dating site, and a monthly charge to an unknown business appears on their credit card statement.
The FBI also requests victims to report fraudulent sites like these to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.