FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Match Group Launches Global
Public Awareness Campaign To Warn
Daters Of Romance
Scams
Users on Tinder, Hinge, Match,
Plenty of Fish and Meetic in more than 15 countries will begin seeing
warnings and tips on how to
protect themselves against online scams
DALLAS, Texas, January 10, 2023 – Today
Match Group (MTCH), the parent company of the companies that own Tinder, Match,
Hinge and Plenty of Fish, is rolling out a global public awareness campaign to
educate daters and consumers on how to date safer and help stay protected
against the different forms of online fraud.
Starting
today users across Tinder, Hinge, Match, Plenty of Fish, Meetic and OurTime
will begin receiving messages alerting them to tips and common behaviors to
watch out for to help identify potential scams. These tips were created with
the help of law enforcement and financial exploitation experts. They will be
displayed to users around the world via an in-app message in the Tinder and
Meetics apps, and notifications to users on Match, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and
OurTime.
As these scams have grown in popularity and sophistication over
the last few years, brands across Match Group have taken steps to help prevent
and warn users of potential scams or fraud, from the introduction of new
product features like selfie verification and video chat to sending popup
messages with safety tips if certain language is detected in conversations
between users.
“As a former detective and special agent, I know firsthand how
scammers lure unsuspecting individuals into giving personal information and
ultimately money – including preying on those looking for love or
companionship,” said Buddy Loomis, Senior Director of Law Enforcement
Operations and Investigations at Match Group. “It’s the reason we are
committed to investing in building the safety tools available to users by
leveraging technology and resources that aim to help users protect themselves
from the harms in the world around them and make safer connections.”
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams reported
in the U.S. result in higher losses than any other type of scam, with over $300
million USD in reported losses each year since 2020. In 2022, data from the
Global Anti-Scam Organization shows that the average reported loss was $186,169
USD, up from $120,754 in 2021.
“The
International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) is
committed to working with public and private sector companies, organizations
and agencies to combat online romance scams that target our global citizens,”
said Mark Solomon,
international president of IAFCI. “This devastating crime impacts not only
victims financially, but emotionally and physically. It is only through
training, education and awareness that we can prevent these types of crimes
from occurring. The IAFCI is proud to collaborate with Match Group to help
educate its users around the world.”
Match Group, along with victim advocates and cyber crime
investigators, developed the following tips to help users identify and help
prevent and report malicious actors - on dating or any online
platform.
1. Stay on the app as long as possible:
Scammers will attempt to get you on to another platform
quickly which can be a common flag for these types of scams. Stay on the app
when getting to know a new connection. If the match wants to move platforms but
still DOES NOT want to meet up or video call it is a red flag.
2.
Use the tools available in app:
Make sure to verify your profile with Photo Verification and
also look out for the verification check on your matches to help confirm they
are the person in their profile pictures. You can also set up video chats
before meeting in person to confirm your match is the person you’ve been
talking to. If your date can’t do any of these things, it’s a flag.
3.
They’re a 10 and a crypto expert:
Hard pass. If a new love interest is giving you crypto or
investment advice, there is a high probability that it’s a scam. Always report
these interactions back to the platform where you met.
4.
The promise of a big return of investment or
help secure financial future:
According to experts, scammers will use
techniques to focus on how a large sum of returns could improve your life or
what you could do with this new money. Be skeptical of anyone who appears to be
wealthy and successful and wants to teach you how to invest and make money.
5.
They may play on your heart strings and appear
to be desperate:
Scammers often claim they need money for a
Visa, customs fees, surgeries, family medical bills, car repairs or plane
tickets to visit. If they appear desperate and money is involved, this should
be a giant red flag.
6.
Scams can look different and constantly evolve.
Keep your guard up and stay vigilant
Online scams have evolved as online platforms
have become more accessible and gained popularity. Scammers can also play the
long game and don’t just come out and ask for money when first getting to know
someone. They often don't start talking about finance until months later after
they've gained your trust. As a rule it’s best to never send or receive money
via a wire transfer, money order, currency exchange, gift card or investment
with someone you’ve never met in person.. Not for any reason. Ever.
About Match
Group:Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through
its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed
to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes
Tinder®, Match®, Hinge®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, OurTime®,
Azar®, Hakuna™ Live, and more, each built to increase our users' likelihood of
connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored
services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are
available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.