If you have ever spent some time on dating apps, you most likely have encountered fake profiles. And with recent improvements in AI, there's a good chance some of those fake profiles aren't even using pictures of real people.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported some form of a romance scam, with total reported losses reaching $1.3 billion, equating to a median loss of $4,400.

The goal of most romance scams is to steal your money or your identity...or sometimes both.

What are the most common payment methods scammers request? Gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank wire transfers and payment apps.

While there are many red flags when using dating apps, one of the easiest ones to look out for is someone who tries to quickly move the conversation off the dating app and onto a third-party app to carry out their scam in anonymity.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we bring back our true crime panel to weigh in on some high-profile dating app crimes.

Our stories underscore the dangers of online dating and why it's critical to proceed with caution when looking for love.

We close out the episode by providing some tips and advice for staying safe while dating in the digital age.

Please stay safe out there.

Links Referenced:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2023/02/romance-scammers-favorite-lies-exposed

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a38955743/tinder-swindler-simon-leviev-true-story-where-is-he-now/

https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article266918956.html

https://www.cracked.com/image-pictofact-10091-13-reasons-its-probably-time-to-get-off-dating-apps

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