Using the messaging function of the popular dating web app Tinder, spam bots are targeting male members by pretending to be females who are interested in getting in touch with them. After a few generic exchanges, the victims are lured to third party websites with the promise that, after providing their credit card details as part of a verification process, they will then be able to arrange a date with the fictitious lady.
Exploiting Desire and Dating Website Procedures
Many dating sites have a verification process, in order to protect their users. It is also fair to say that some men can act a little hastily when they are presented with the opportunity to go on a date with an attractive young lady. The spam bots responsible for these messages are exploiting these facts to encourage male Tinder users to click on links that take them to external websites. All of the external sites have the name tinder somewhere in their URL, to help them appear more authentic, and feature pictures of scantily clad women, who visitors are told they will also be able to meet once they have verified themselves.
An Unwanted Bonus
What many visitors are failing to notice, perhaps because they are distracted by the sight of ladies in lingerie or the prospect of dating them, is the special offer that is mentioned in the fine print on the page. This ‘special free bonus’ is a subscription to several adult websites on a free trial basis, which may not sound too bad in itself. However, if users fail to notice mention of the special promotion or do notice it but forget to cancel the subscription, they will end up having nearly $120 charged to their credit card on a monthly basis. While most victims will notice the first charge and cancel the subscriptions before any further damage can be done, it is still a high price to pay for the possibility of going on a date (especially when that possibility vanishes into thin air).
Staying Safe on Tinder and Other Dating Apps/Sites
Users of the popular dating app who wish to avoid being taken for a ride should note that there is no such thing as an external Tinder verification site. In the event that you happen to get carried away and accidentally click on a link in a message you are sent, you should close the browser page and report the incident to Tinder’s administration. No matter what dating sites or applications you may use, it is always important to read the small print whenever you are asked to provide credit card details for any reason.
If you follow a link that only asks for your email address, it is obviously much less dangerous than one that asks for your credit card details but you can look forward to a significant increase in the amount of spam you receive should you actually provide your address. An effective spam filter will help to ensure such messages do not reach your inbox.