Dating Apps and adult online dating platforms are littered with online dating scams. In 2024, scammers claimed over 64,000 American victims, exceeding over $1 billion in financial loss. As the Federal Trade Commission reported, this doubles last year’s claim and draws concern to romance scams, particularly on adult dating apps, websites, and services.
According to Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Colorado Democrat, and Republican Rep. David Valadao of California, more than half of online daters have encountered scammers along their romantic journeys. Both lawmakers agree that tech companies should do more to protect their customers from fraudsters and have introduced the Online Dating Safety Act. This legislation would require platforms like Match.com to notify users if they have interacted with accounts identified as fraudulent.
In response, Match.com has proactively begun implementing fraud notification features across its platforms.
Match.com has committed to collaborating with lawmakers to refine and advance the legislation in the upcoming congressional session.
The reintroduction of the Online Dating Safety Act in the next Congress underscores a bipartisan commitment to addressing the escalating issue of fraud in online dating.
The Online Dating Safety Act was initially introduced in 2023. It aimed to protect users on dating platforms by mandating that these services notify users if they have interacted with accounts suspected of fraudulent activity.
Key Provisions of the Act:
How this will Affect Adult Websites and Dating Apps in 2025:
Online dating scams are effective because the perpetrators are skilled and experienced at manipulating their victims. They quickly develop an online relationship by presenting misinformation while stealing personal data.
These types of scams usually include fake profiles and photos stolen from social media or other sources, a tactic known as "catfishing” or “AI romance scams.” They use social engineering techniques to gain your trust and encourage you to share personal information.
Scams generally follow a predictable pattern:
The rise of online dating has opened the door to sophisticated scams that target unsuspecting users. These scams, often executed by skilled con artists or bad actors, can deceive even the most vigilant individuals. As a dating app provider, it is crucial to recognize the threats posed by these common romance scams and take proactive steps to safeguard users. By implementing robust security measures, educating users on red flags, and providing precise reporting mechanisms, dating platforms can create a safer environment where users can connect confidently while minimizing the risk of falling victim to fraud.
Military romance scams involve fraudsters impersonating military personnel to build emotional connections and exploit victims financially, often citing fabricated emergencies like deployment-related expenses.
“The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is aware of online accounts impersonating or misrepresenting Army personnel, to include senior leaders, for various nefarious purposes,” reported CID Special Agent Mark Lunardi.
Several social media accounts claiming to represent military generals may include the title "US Government Official" and display biographical information that closely mirrors that of a genuine general. These profiles often appear authentic due to the alignment of personal details with those of the individuals they aim to impersonate.
Dating apps can protect users by implementing robust profile verification, AI-powered fraud detection, and user education campaigns to raise awareness of common red flags. Providing easy reporting and blocking features, issuing fraud prevention warnings, and collaborating with law enforcement are key steps in minimizing scams.
Scammers on Facebook often exploit the platform to deceive users by impersonating friends, relatives, or other trusted individuals. Common tactics include sending fraudulent messages, sharing malicious links, or posting fake advertisements. Catfishing involves creating a fake online persona to deceive others, often for romantic or financial gain. Catfishers typically use stolen photos, fabricated personal details, and elaborate stories to build trust. Victims frequently invest emotionally in these fake relationships, making them more vulnerable to manipulation and potential financial exploitation.
More recently, cybercriminals have been sending misleading messages to Facebook users, falsely alleging that their pages have been deactivated due to violations of intellectual property laws. These messages are carefully designed to resemble legitimate communications from Meta’s business support team, adding an appearance of authenticity. Users are instructed to follow a link to dispute the alleged violation, redirecting them to a fraudulent phishing website. This site is designed to harvest sensitive information like login credentials and other personal data.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) scams exploit users by tricking them into sharing their 2FA codes through phishing or social engineering tactics, allowing scammers unauthorized access to accounts. For instance, a scammer may impersonate a platform's customer support, claiming an issue with the user’s account and requesting the 2FA code for "verification." Once obtained, the scammer uses the code to access the victim’s account, potentially compromising sensitive data or causing financial harm.
Statistics indicate that approximately 84% of individuals targeted by phishing scams involving fraudulent shopping websites are likely to interact with these sites. Of those who engage, nearly 50% will suffer financial losses.
Cybersecurity spokesperson of NordVPN informs, “Phishing kits are usually free, fake website layouts start at $50, and malware-as-a-service subscriptions cost about $150 monthly, the priciest items, such as cookie grabber pages, cost $400 or more.”
Dating apps and adult websites can protect users by implementing secure 2FA methods like app-based authenticators or biometrics, educating users about scams, and emphasizing that 2FA codes should never be shared. Using in-app notifications for account verification, detecting and blocking phishing attempts, monitoring account activity for suspicious behavior, and providing robust reporting and support systems can also help find scammers before they attack.
Malware scams involve malicious software that infiltrates devices, steals personal information, and compromises security. These scams often involve deceptive links or attachments sent through messages or profiles on dating apps and adult websites. Once clicked, the malware can steal sensitive data or hijack accounts.
To protect users, dating apps and adult websites can implement secure messaging systems, scan links for malware, and educate users about online safety.
Crypto romance scams involve fraudsters building fake romantic relationships on dating platforms to convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency. Once the victim sends money, the scammer disappears.
In September 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated its first enforcement actions addressing crypto-related relationship fraud. The SEC accused perpetrators of defrauding investors out of millions of dollars through two distinct schemes. These fraudulent activities were linked to the social media platforms WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Instagram and fake cryptocurrency trading platforms NanoBit and CoinW6.
Gurbir S. Grewal, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, released the statement, “Relationship investment scams, including those involving crypto-asset investments, pose a risk of catastrophic harm to retail investors, and the threat is increasing rapidly as these scams become more popular with fraudsters,”
AI tools can detect suspicious behavior while reporting and blocking features help users flag potential scammers. However, users must educate themselves on current scams to stay updated with the latest information.
Romance inheritance scams involve fraudsters building fake romantic relationships to convince victims to send money to access a supposed inheritance. The scammer often fabricates urgent financial needs, exploiting trust to manipulate the victim.
Dating apps and adult websites can protect users by educating them about these scams, monitoring suspicious activity, and encouraging profile verification. Warning messages about common scams can be displayed, and users can report or block suspicious accounts. Responsive customer support and a secure environment can help users avoid inheriting inheritance scams.
Fake dating site scams involve fraudsters creating counterfeit platforms to deceive users into paying for bogus services or sharing personal and financial information. These scams often lead to financial loss or identity theft.
To protect users, adult websites and dating apps can verify the authenticity of their platforms, educate users about common red flags, and ensure secure payment methods. Dating platforms can also monitor accounts for suspicious activity, implement reporting and blocking features, and provide access to customer support, to ensure safety.
Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details, by pretending to be trustworthy. Scammers typically send emails and messages or create fake websites that appear legitimate, tricking users into clicking on malicious links or entering personal information.
Dating apps and adult websites can protect users by educating them about phishing risks, verifying email communications, and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure logins.
Dating website owners should implement several key security features to protect users from scams. Users should be able to search reverse images to verify profile pictures and ensure their authenticity. Dating services and platforms must educate users on keeping personal information confidential and avoiding sharing sensitive details too early in conversations.
Adult dating services are required to provide safe verification services that confirm user identities but clarify that legitimate verification will not ask for money upfront.
Implement Robust Security Features
Verify Profiles and Users
Educate Users
Monitor and Flag Suspicious Activity
Offer Reporting and Blocking Tools
Provide Customer Support
Regularly Update Security Measures
A trusted account partner can help dating apps and adult websites protect users from fraud by providing reliable identity verification tools, fraud detection systems, and secure payment processing. They can offer advanced security features like two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and efficient reporting and blocking mechanisms for suspicious activity. These efforts ensure a safer environment for users and enhance overall platform security.