A recent survey found that one in five Brazilians using dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Happn has been targeted by cybercriminals. Conducted by cybersecurity company Norton, the study revealed that 85% of victims fell for frauds such as romance scams, catfishing, and other forms of deception. The survey interviewed 1,002 adults aged 18 and over between 5 and 19 December 2024, and found that 37% of Brazilians are currently using a dating app.
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Romance Scams Lead the Ranking of Fraud
Among the main scams suffered by dating app users, 41% of victims were targeted by romance scams, in which criminals pose as potential partners, gaining the victim’s trust before asking for money. Another 29% fell victim to catfishing, where scammers use stolen photos and personal data to impersonate someone else. Scams involving intimate photos are also common, affecting 23% of victims, who are blackmailed into sending money or personal information to prevent leaks. Additionally, 16% of users were tricked by fake dating sites, designed to steal personal data.
Other Common Scams
Several other scams were identified in the survey. The military scam, affecting 15% of users, involves criminals posing as members of the military and requesting money for supposed travel expenses. Extortion scams (15%), malware scams (13%), and medical scams (12%) were also reported. Other fraudulent schemes include code verification scams (9%), aimed at obtaining credit card details, inheritance scams (8%), and visa, immigration, cryptocurrency, and investment scams (7%).
Recent Case in São Paulo
In January 2025, the Civil Police of São Paulo launched an investigation after two members of Club Athletico Paulistano filed police reports against businessman César Mattar, 70 years old. The first victim, a 75-year-old nurse, met Mattar on Happn in July 2024. He claimed to invest in international investments and asked for money to release a container at the Port of Santos. Between October 2024 and January 2025, he embezzled R$353,000 from the victim. The scam was exposed when her daughter researched his online presence and discovered that he was also in a relationship with another club member. The second victim, a 72-year-old agribusiness entrepreneur, dated Mattar for three months, during which time she transferred R$100,000, gave him an unlimited credit card and purchased a R$150,000 car for him. The fraudulent profile remains active on Happn.
How to Protect Yourself When Using Dating Apps
Given the growing number of scams, users must take precautions to stay safe on dating platforms. It is advisable to research potential matches online, check their social media presence, and conduct video calls before meeting in person. Users should also exchange messages through other platforms in addition to the dating app and always inform a trusted friend or family member about scheduled dates, including sharing their location. These measures are particularly important, as 67% of survey respondents reported encountering suspicious profiles or receiving messages from potential scammers on dating apps.
Analysis:
The increasing prevalence of scams on dating apps in Brazil reflects a broader global trend of cybercriminals exploiting emotional vulnerability for financial gain. With 37% of Brazilians using dating apps and one in five reporting being targeted by scammers, digital romance fraud has become a significant and growing public security issue. The findings from Norton’s survey highlight how criminals manipulate victims through trust-building techniques, employing elaborate schemes that extend beyond simple financial fraud to include identity theft, blackmail, and emotional exploitation. These scams not only cause financial losses but also leave deep psychological impacts on victims, making them hesitant to trust future relationships.
To combat this issue effectively, a multi-layered approach is essential. Users must be educated on recognizing warning signs, such as overly fast emotional connections, inconsistent stories, and sudden requests for financial assistance. Additionally, dating platforms must take greater responsibility by implementing stronger security protocols, including identity verification, fraud detection algorithms, and accessible reporting tools to quickly flag and remove suspicious accounts. Collaboration between law enforcement, technology companies, and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in minimizing the risks associated with online dating and protecting users from these evolving cyber threats.
