Many online dating apps have reported an increase in users during COVID-19 around the world and Trinidad and Tobago is no different. As partial lockdowns continue and office spaces close, online dating is naturally the next alternative to meet a partner. However, like any digital space, online dating has its share of potential scams and fraudulent behaviour.
It is an ideal space for fraudsters to target you through their versed social engineering skills. While this may seem intimidating, there are ways to avoid becoming a victim of fraud while dating online.
Here are 3 things you should know before using any dating apps or websites in Trinidad and Tobago:
1. What is “social engineering”?
Social engineering is when someone manipulates people online or even in person to get access to 1. their personal and confidential information and 2. and most importantly, “gain their [victim’s] trust”. It relies heavily on emotions i.e., evoking people’s emotions to the point of having the ability to easily manipulate them to do whatever the fraudster (Mr or Miss Perfect) asked them to do. It is usually the intention of the fraudster to present him or herself as the perfect mate for you to trust them, drop your guard down and become completely vulnerable to them.
2. Who is likely to fall for this type of scam?
The fraudsters are at the top of their game and their social engineering skills afford them the ability to easily identify potential victims. Often, they choose people who have open profiles and who present a wealth of information about themselves online. They typically target persons who they interpret as “lonely”. They look at social media profile’s, conversations in comment sections, friends, page likes and more and from there they will present themselves as the “ideal romantic partner” to their victim. In other words, they can profile you simply through the personal information on your profile and what you post on your social media account.
3. What are the signs that someone is a scammer/social engineer?
The main marker that someone does not have pure intentions dating online is when they, at any time, bring any financial element into the conversation. Despite popular belief fraudsters online will not only ask you to send money to them, very often they will also ask to send money to you in order to move the money they scammed from another victim. From the moment they ask about any financial information you need to have your guard up, step back and assess the situation. Sometimes these conversations may be faceless so at some point you may want to ask them to present themselves in person or on a video call.
While this information can be alarming it should not deter you from online dating. Rather, it should just be information that can help you navigate the dating apps or websites as best you can. Just keep in mind that connecting with someone online remains a risk and fraudsters use social media to scam unsuspecting victims using their main weapon of “social engineering”. If unfortunately, you do become a victim of online frauds/scams, report it to the police, specifically the Fraud Squad. Reporting it can help you get some redress for the situation and help the police prevent it from happening in the future.
Learn how you can protect yourself from fraud by viewing the video below:
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