Cheating
Internet is full of cunning tricksters, and that's a fact. It is impossible to predict where you can meet
him: on a social network, in online games or on a dating site, as often happens. Unfortunately, they know
how to play on the feelings of single people, take advantage of their position and commit their vile
original intention.
Our service is trying to deal with scammers. Ask how? We strive to make our relations with customers not just
trustworthy, but close. Without this factor, stopping fraud on the site is almost impossible.
Of course, we make a personal list of scammers, always check people immediately before registration,
constantly monitor the site to track down an unscrupulous person, but, understand that this will not be
enough to eliminate all scammers. Then you can come to our aid. If you suddenly notice something suspicious
in a person (for example, it could be the content of his messages or some strange actions), then immediately
inform us so that we can protect people from deception and disappointment. That’s so important for us, and
should be important for you. So you save not only yourself, but also other users.
In addition to the most obvious reason - the continued growth in popularity - there are other psychological
reasons. The fact is that in dating services it is much easier to talk to the interlocutor - because he was
initially set up for communication and subsequent acquaintance. According to Alexei Raevsky, CEO of
Zecurion, attackers choose apps and dating sites for that reason.
"If I mainly use social networks for work purposes, and someone starts to write to me or send me some links,
then I will be wary of this. And if I registered on a dating site, it means that I am initially open I’m
looking for acquaintances and waiting for some messages. Here, accordingly, the fraudster’s hands are
untied, "Raevsky explains.
A similar point of view is held in Badoo. Dmitry Pozdnyakov, head of community development and localization
of this service, notes: dating services are designed so that previously unfamiliar people can conduct a free
dialogue. However, sometimes such imaginary freedom results in a loss of vigilance.
Who should be afraid of?
The statistics are slightly different from country to country: for example, in the United States, women are
more likely to be victims of scammers. In this country, according to sociological studies, in principle, the
level of people's trust in strangers is much higher, in addition, there are many lonely, but financially
independent and even rich women. In France, male fraudsters are more likely to succeed in communicating with
girls, because there are very strong traditions of courting ladies. "In Russia, men are more likely to be
victims, but this, unfortunately, does not mean that male fraudsters do not pay attention to girls,"
Pozdnyakov believes. After all, attackers by and large do not care who to deceive.
As practice shows, men are often carried out on the provocation of fraudsters. Cybersecurity expert Inbar Rat
argues that more than 70% of young people without a second thought follow any links that come from pretty
girls. Most young people simply do not expect a setup. Nevertheless, everyone needs to follow the safety
rules: attackers absolutely do not care who will eventually give them the money.
How to protect yourself from scammers in dating services - tips
The presence of fraudsters in dating services should in no case be a deterrent to users. Experts are sure
that any attacker in the application can easily be protected. The most important thing is to always remain
alert. Here are some tips to help you minimize all risks when dealing with strangers.
1. Do not communicate with users without a photo
Most popular dating services have protection against fake accounts. For example, in order to get
the status
of a verified user in Badoo, a person needs to verify the page using a photo. If for some reason
your
interlocutor decided not to undergo verification, this should raise some suspicions.
In addition, in Badoo, you can request a selfie from an interlocutor, which cannot be replaced
with a photo
from the Internet or smartphone photo galleries.
2. Ask for a link to other social networks
If it seemed to you that the interlocutor is impersonating someone else, try transferring the
communication
to other social networks. Invite a potential fraudster to chat on Facebook, VKontakte, or even
Skype (or in
the Badoo video chat service): a video call will definitely help bring him to clean water.
At the same time, calling a stranger on a regular phone is dangerous. “It is undesirable to use a
phone call
for confirmation, until you can be sure that the person you are talking to is who he claims to
be. He can
provide a paid service phone. It’s also undesirable to give your phone number right away, as it
may not be
used in good faith way."
3. Check the interlocutor for several criteria
Be especially vigilant if your interlocutor tries to put pressure on pity or immediately sets
ultimatums for
you. Also, the criminals talk a little about themselves, but in a hurry to meet at the appointed
place. In
addition, the scammers are always too knowledgeable about the details of the work of the place
where he
calls you.
The most important indicator that a money divorce is taking place is that you have to part with
this money
for some reason. Before you make a transfer, check whether you can pay on the spot or if there
are other
alternatives to places or classes, of which you are sure.
If in doubt in the chosen place, try to offer your option. Fraudsters immediately retreat, but a
person with
good intentions is likely to agree with your initiative.
4. Do not reject the idea that a nice girl or a well-mannered guy is a potential fraud
Even if you are absolutely sure that you can identify a potential fraudster from a single
message, and
nothing bothers you in communication yet, do not reveal yourself to your interlocutors ahead of
time.
Do not give them your phone number, home address, passwords from bank cards, etc. Do not neglect
your own
safety, because fraudsters are just waiting for this. At a minimum, you can google the photo of
the
interlocutor - it is possible that it will be from the popular photo bank.
You always need to include a reasonable level of paranoia, because it doesn’t matter if the
application is
there or not. A simple tip is to not be gullible and understand that you may just be bumped into
money. If
you are not careful or careful, you can make problems: it’s not important, online or in real
life. I don’t
see much difference here.
5. Stop the conversation at the slightest doubt.
If your interlocutor follows all the previous safety criteria, but something in the conversation
bothers you
anyway, be better safe. Fraudsters masterfully know how to hide their intentions to a victorious
end.
Therefore, in any incomprehensible situation, end the dialogue.
Do not forget, the difficult life situation of your new acquaintance can be solved by the intervention of
the police, rescue services or a psychologist at the other end of the telephone line.
We have painted it in bright colors and details, you may get the impression that we have come across such
people and precedents many times, but this is not so. Fortunately, such cases are exceptional on our
resource, because our team is trying to keep track of users. Sometimes it happens that experts stumble upon
the trail of scammers, but they quickly get rid of such people.
Everyone can fall into the cunning hands of a fraudster, no one is safe from this. It is important to include
your intuition and observation. If the user seems too ideal for you and tries to please everything, then
most likely he is a quack. This should be immediately reported to us.
