Tinder Scam: Crypto and Money Extorted Instead of Dating

Tinder is one of the most popular dating platforms worldwide, where millions of people find love or make new connections. However, there are also dangers lurking for unsuspecting Tinder users, as scammers take advantage of casual interactions with strangers. These scammers aren't interested in finding partners; rather, they're after quick money, which they extract from their victims. To do this, they employ a range of methods that share similarities and are also used on other platforms.

We aim to show how you can protect yourself from Tinder scams and what to do if you fall victim to a scammer.

Tinder Scam: Playing with Emotions

Most people appreciate the easy access Tinder provides for making casual connections. If one person isn't interested in the other, a "digital rejection" is often more tolerable than a personal one. The same applies in reverse. When both parties are interested, users have the opportunity to communicate directly and easily. In many cases, this leads to a date and possibly even a partnership.

While these aspects of Tinder may seem fundamental and well-known, they hold special significance in the context of fraud. Unlike scams where strangers reach out unsolicited, on Tinder, there's a high willingness from all parties to engage in contact and share intimate details. This vulnerability makes certain groups susceptible, as they are often less familiar with internet norms and approach strangers with openness. While this trust isn't inherently wrong, it can become costly in the end as scammers exploit this naivety.

Therefore, it's important to be vigilant and recognize early signs that indicate a romance scam. Ultimately, scammers have a goal, and this is often revealed in most cases.

How Does a Tinder Scam Work?

There are essentially two types of scammers operating on online platforms. The first type gets straight to the point. After a brief introduction, they quickly shift the conversation to finances in their chat messages. They gauge whether the victims are willing to make investments, often by asking about their previous experience with the topic. Sometimes, they pretend to need help with an investment decision themselves. These scammers aim to either gather information about the victims for later use through other accounts or immediately proceed to convince them to invest money. However, in most cases, no actual investment takes place. Victims are usually asked to transfer money to a broker where it's supposedly invested in cryptocurrencies or securities. But in reality, the broker platform is fake, and the money disappears in the end.

The second type of scammer invests much more time and effort into establishing personal contact with the victim. While investments might be suggested at a later point, the focus here is on the scammer pretending to need money. Due to a high level of personal attachment, victims often send money out of love and compassion. Cryptocurrencies are less commonly used in this scenario. Instead, the scammers are located abroad and use regular bank accounts or payment services like MoneyGram or Western Union.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The scam tactics on Tinder are not fundamentally different from those on other chat and social media services. Essentially, scammers only use the platform as a medium to connect with potential victims. We've already covered the advantages they exploit. Here's an overview of how you can protect yourself:

• Don't switch apps: Scammers often ask to continue conversations via email, SMS, or WhatsApp. While it's common to exchange numbers when dating, scammers try to move to a different service unusually quickly. They do this because they fear their accounts will be suspended and want to establish as many contacts as possible outside of Tinder.
• Avoid discussing finances: While it might be natural to want to know if a potential partner is financially stable, this shouldn't be the main concern during initial interactions. The same goes for discussing investments in cryptocurrencies or stocks. Sometimes, the scammers might even present themselves as successful investors, trying to entice victims to ask about their methods. If the victim takes the bait, the scammer introduces dubious brokers to initiate the scam.
• Report and avoid suspicious profiles: In many cases, scammers are located abroad and operate fake profiles on multiple platforms. They often reveal themselves by using automated translations that sound unnatural to native speakers. Tinder, like other platforms, takes action based on such indications.
• Be cautious with requests for money: If someone you've never met in person asks for money, be very skeptical. Scammers might claim to be eager to meet but lack the funds for travel. This may seem plausible if they openly admit to being located abroad. Alternatively, they might request money due to a supposed emergency. If you haven't met someone in person, avoid sending money. Similar to investment scams, scammers don't necessarily pressure victims to pay; they often let their contacts empathize with their fabricated hardships, which can prompt victims to offer financial assistance proactively.

In essence, don't allow yourself to be exploited. Scammers capitalize on their victims' kindness, curiosity, and compassion, profiting significantly from these traits. They attempt these schemes not with just one target but often simultaneously with dozens of victims.

I've Fallen Victim to a Scam, What Can I Do?

Crypto-Tracing supports victims of Tinder scams and other fraudulent schemes in securing evidence using cutting-edge IT and blockchain forensics. We create comprehensive reports for our clients that provide crucial information for law enforcement as part of a criminal complaint. In close cooperation with attorney Dr. Maisch, we can also offer legal advice and representation in court and before authorities. Dr. Maisch specializes in cybercrime and possesses excellent expertise in this field, benefiting his clients.

Don't hesitate to contact us today! The less time passes between the incident and taking action, the easier it is for authorities to intervene and the higher the chance of a successful investigation.

FAQ about Tinder Scams