Security Response: Tinder safe dating spam uses safety to scam users out of money
Norton by Symantec has uncovered that scammers are leading Tinder users to funnel affiliate money through fake profile verification sites.
In one of the latest trends to hit the mobile dating app, spam bots initiate playful conversations before asking the user whether or not Tinder has verified their profile. Unsuspecting singles are then led to verify themselves on a seemingly sister site of the application called ‘Tinder Safe Dating’. This then requires a ‘secure age verification’ in the form of credit card details, eliciting an approx. total of AUD$160/month.
To stay safe and still date, Norton advises that users remember that there is no such thing as a ‘Tinder Safe Dating’ or verification website, and to not ignore the fine print on any website before signing up to its service.
Norton is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates on its Response blog should new information be available.
Should you wish to discuss the security risks concerned with this vulnerability, please let us know and we can set up an interview with a Norton by Symantec spokesperson.
For further details, please refer to the response blog here.
Tips to stay safe while online dating:
- Avoid third-party websites: If someone from an online dating website asks you to visit a third-party website to sign up for a service, like a verified profile, it’s most likely a scam. It’s always a good idea to scrutinise links, especially from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Share with care: If you can, make sure your username doesn’t give away any identifying information, like your age or location, and always be careful about what you share in messages.
- Use a VPN: When using Wi-Fi, one of the best ways to protect the data coming in and out of your phone – like messages on a dating app – is to use a Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) like Norton Wi-Fi Privacy.
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