With the increase in the number of users on dating platforms, the current scenario reveals the risks involved, as scammers are also exploiting people's search for love and companionship to carry out sophisticated romantic scams.
A new survey byNorton, the cybersecurity brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), conducted with Brazilians, provides a snapshot of user habits and the risks of digital love. According to the survey, nearly four out of ten (37%) Brazilians are currently using a dating app, and many spend an average of almost 9 hours (8.69) per week on these apps. Among those who use dating apps, one in five Brazilians (21%) claim to have been targeted by a scam.
Iskander Sanchez-Rola, Norton’s Director of Innovation, explains that romantic scams are also known as online dating scams. "This type of scam occurs when a person is deceived into believing they are in a romantic relationship with someone they met online, but in reality, their other half is a cybercriminal. In this case, they use a false identity to gain the victim's trust and request their personal information or money. Thus, the cybercriminal can commit scams or gain financial advantages," warns.
Among Brazilians (21%) who reported having been targeted by cybercriminals, 85% were victims of a scam, the most prevalent being:
- 41% of Brazilians have already been victims of romantic scams.A romance scam is when a person is tricked into thinking they are in a relationship with someone they met online, but it is actually a scammer using a false identity to gain the victim's trust and ask them for money.
- 29% of Brazilians have been victims of Catfishing.It is the act of the scammer impersonating another person online, using photos and information about them or a fictitious identity. In some cases, thecatfishersThey can steal someone's identity, including their name, photos, and birthday data.
- 27% of Brazilians have been victims of Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby scamsIn this type of romantic scam, the scammer pretends to be a wealthy individual who wants to send money to a younger person in exchange for online companionship. After gaining your trust, the cybercriminal requests an initial fee or personal information before sending your allowance.
- 23% of Brazilians have been victims of photo scams. Scammers seek to convince their target to send personal information in exchange for intimate photos.
- 16% of Brazilians have been victims of fake dating sites.They are fraudulent dating sites that claim to be legitimate, but are actually full of scammers. These sites are created to mine information.
- 15% of Brazilians have been victims of military romance scamsThe scammer pretends to be a military personnel, probably on duty. He builds a relationship of trust using jargon and military titles, then asks for money to cover expenses, such as flights back home, for example.
- 15% were victims of sextortion scamsThis type of scam is particularly insidious, involving threats to disclose private or compromising information unless a ransom is paid, usually in cryptocurrencies. These scams start with phishing emails and exploit human emotions such as fear and shame.
- 13% of Brazilians have been victims of malware scamsIn this case, the recipient interacts with a scammer who sends them a website that appears legitimate; however, it is a page that includes malware.
- 12% of Brazilians have been victims of disease-related fraud or medical scams.These scams involve fraudsters pretending to offer treatments or claiming to suffer from false illnesses to steal money or personal information. This can include selling false cures, falsifying medical conditions to solicit donations, or impersonating health insurance agents to gain access to confidential data.
- 9% of Brazilians have been victims of code verification scamsThe scammers send a fake verification code via email or text message, pretending to be a dating app or website. After clicking on it, personal information is requested, including credit card numbers.
Additionally: 8% of Brazilians have been victims of inheritance scams; 7% have been victims of visa or immigration scams; and 7% have also been victims of cryptocurrency or investment scams.
The security of dating apps
Norton's survey also analyzed the behavior and perceptions of Brazilians regarding the security of applications when seeking a relationship in the digital universe.
Almost seven out of ten (67%) of respondents who use apps said they had encountered suspicious profiles or messages at least once a week, which leads many Brazilians to seek to ensure their safety before any in-person meeting.
More than one-third of current online dating users (36%) in Brazil communicate with someone on a dating app for a week or less before they are willing to meet in person. However, most Brazilians (94%) take the following precautions, such as:
- Search for the person on social media or the internet (57%)
- Make a video call with the person(48%)
- Message the person outside of the app or dating platform (42%)
- Tell a friend or family member about your meeting plans before you go on the date. (40%)
- Share your location with a family member or friend before meeting (38%)
- Make a phone call with the person (32%).
To avoid falling victim to scams, Iskander Sanchez-Rola recommends that “dating app users remain alert for signs of fraud and take proactive steps to protect their personal information. In addition, it is essential to always maintain a healthy level of skepticism, avoid sharing sensitive data and never send money to strangers.”
Research methodology
The study was conducted online in Brazil by Dynata on behalf of Gen from December 5 to 19, 2024, among 1,002 adults aged 18 and older.
