Dating apps become hunting grounds for scammers

Police have warned the public to exercise caution when forming relationships with strangers through dating apps and social media, following a rise in financial scams involving fraudulent mobile applications.

Police said scammers establish friendships or romantic relationships with victims through dating apps, using attractive messages over a period of time to gain their trust before deceiving them.

They also approach victims through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram, offering online sexual services or opportunities to develop personal relationships and subsequently persuading them to download mobile applications.

Police warned that such applications, which may appear to be legitimate dating apps, could contain malicious APK files capable of compromising mobile phones and stealing online banking credentials.

Once installed, the malicious applications could allow scammers to obtain usernames and passwords when victims conduct online transactions, enabling them to gain access to financial accounts and fraudulently withdraw money.

Police said methods used in financial scams through social media and messaging platforms were rapidly evolving, with criminals increasingly exploiting promises of love and companionship to gain access to victims’ financial information.

The public has been advised not to install applications from unknown sources or disclose banking details, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other personal information to strangers.

Police also urged people not to share personal photographs or videos with unknown individuals and stressed the need for caution when interacting with strangers online.