Hackers stalk their victims on dating apps by tricking them into downloading a protection system against sexual predators or grazers. They then use the technique of “ pig butchering » to strip them.
We must believe that the adage “ Happy in game, unhappy in love » does not concern hackers. Because it is on dating applications that they stalk their victims, and certainly not with the aim of shooting an arrow in their hearts.
The FBI is sounding the alarm on a practice which is spreading more and more on dating applications, which we know can carry certain risks, including that of coming across a Simon Leviev, aka the Tinder scammer , or Aleksandr Zhadan, who used ChatGPT to seduce more than 5,000 women.
The scam in question is similar to “ pig butchering », initially used in the field of cryptos. It consists of hackers stalking their victims on dating applications and using the feeling of insecurity to then rob them of their last penny.
THE ” pig butchering » diverted from its initial function to achieve the same ends on dating applications
To achieve their ends, the hackers who are rampant on dating applications use an extortion method specific to the world of crypto-currencies, the “ pig butchering », cooked with their sauce.
This term, which Google preferred not to adopt or approve, refers to the idea that, just as a pig is fed before being slaughtered, the victim is “ fattened » by her tormentor before being defrauded. The most delicate phase consists of establishing a relationship of trust and promises of quick and high profits. To lure him, the hacker sends his target success stories of people who have amassed fortunes thanks to his placement. Taken into confidence, the victim is then invited to invest first small sums, then real fortunes. And when the time comes to recover his money, not only is the account empty, but also, the false investor has disappeared with the money that the victim paid directly to him without his knowledge. Simple but unstoppable.
On dating applications, replace the false investor with a false guardian angel, the promise of quick and sure profit with that of security against bad encounters, and that’s it.
The FBI’s recommendations (and ours) to protect yourself from these dating app scams
To protect potential victims of these scams on dating applications, the FBI issues simple recommendations and explains in advance how they are carried out. First, the hackers communicate with their victims and quickly try to invite them to connect to an encrypted site to ensure their security through a system of verifying the people they wish to meet.
“ Under the guise of security, the fraudster provides a link that directs the victim to a website advertising a “free” verification process to protect them from establishing a relationship with predators, such as sex offenders or murderers. series », Explains the FBI.
The site in question is illustrated with bogus articles extolling its merits to give the victim confidence. Then, the scammer asks him to provide his personal data such as his name, phone number, email address and credit card number to “ complete the process “. The victim is then redirected to another dating application, this time private, which offers a monthly subscription. The FBI explains that the crooks then have two levers to defraud their victims: their bank details to use at the source and the threat of reselling this data on the dark web, unless they pay a ransom.
To avoid this emotional and financial catastrophe, the FBI issues the usual recommendations such as, among other things, not clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources. You can also use secure apps like Tinder, which now offers its “Share My Date” option to give your loved ones accurate information about your future date and report any suspicious behavior.
Clubic supports this advice by also recommending that you never communicate your personal or banking data, keeping in mind that no application or website that claims to be free will ask you for it. There are also many security tools to protect your banking data. Finally, if you think you have been the victim of a scam, you can contact the CNIL, or go to the Cybermalveillance website, at this address: https://www.cybermalveillance.gouv.fr/.
Download
- The application with the most users
- Application usable for free (premium gives access to certain options)
- Intuitive to use
Thanks to a simple interface, Tinder still manages to remain one of the undisputed leaders in the field of dating applications. However, we will regret the paid side of the application: you will have to put your hand in your wallet to take advantage of the full capabilities and true potential of Tinder.
Thanks to a simple interface, Tinder still manages to remain one of the undisputed leaders in the field of dating applications. However, we will regret the paid side of the application: you will have to put your hand in your wallet to take advantage of the full capabilities and true potential of Tinder.
Sources: The Record, FBI
Ex-corporate journalist, the world of the web, networks, connected machines and everything that is written on the Internet whets my appetite. From the latest TikTok trend to the most liked reels, I come from the Facebook generation that still fascinates the internal war between Mac and PC. As a wise woman, the Internet, its tools, practices and regulation are among my favorite hobbies (that, lineart, knitting and bad jokes). My motto: to try it is to adopt it, but in complete safety.
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