Love is in the air and for many, Valentine’s Day provides inspiration to look for a special someone. However, as online dating continues to grow in popularity, so does the number of cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerable individuals.

Here are five online dating threats to watch out for so you don’t get hoodwinked on the most romantic day of the year.

1. Phishing for dating resources

Imagine finding the perfect match online, only to be lured into a fake dating app that steals your personal information and financial details. That’s the reality of phishing, and the Valentine’s season is fraught with fraudsters who create fake web pages identical to popular dating apps to trick individuals into giving up their sensitive information.

The end result can be identity theft, financial fraud, and even extortion, all of which can strain your relationship and cause a loss of trust. The stolen data could even be sold on the dark web.

2. Fake apps

Love may be blind, but malware is not. This malicious software can invade your device through files that mimic online dating services.

During the last few months, experts have seen cybercriminals exploiting the names of most popular dating apps such as Tinder, Badoo, Bumble, Grindr, and many others to spread their malicious activity.

Most often they distribute adware, which bombards users with multiple notifications, but there were also attacks with Trojan Spies that monitor online activity, and Trojan downloaders, which might install other malicious programs on the victim’s computer.

3. Doxing

Doxing refers to the act of uncovering and publicly sharing someone’s personal information. This can be especially concerning in the context of online dating, where sensitive information can be used to harm or blackmail the individual.

This could result in physical danger, as well as psychological distress such as anxiety and shame, negatively impacting mental health and relationships. In extreme cases, it could also lead to real-life danger.

4. Catfishing

Who doesn’t love the idea of chatting with an attractive stranger online? Unfortunately, not all offers are as genuine as they seem.

Numerous spam emails that use attractive profiles and fake identities are used by cybercriminals to lure unsuspecting victims into providing personal information or engaging in online communications. These emails can spread malware, steal sensitive information, or scam victims out of their money.

They can also lead to emotional distress and disappointment, as victims may form emotional connections with the fake identities before realising they’ve been scammed. This can, in turn, have huge negative effects on mental health and wellbeing.

5. Stalkerware

Stalkerware is a type of software that can be secretly installed on a device to monitor the user’s online activities and track their location. According to Kaspersky, 29,312 people worldwide were affected by stalkerware last year.

All these invasions of privacy can lead to a breakdown of trust in any relationship and emotional distress for the victims involved.

Here are some tips on how to have safe online dating experience:

• Verify information

Before meeting someone in person or sharing personal information, verify their identity through their social media profiles, Google search, or other methods. Trust your gut – don’t hesitate to end communication with someone who seems suspicious or untrustworthy.

• Use a secure connection

Use a secure and encrypted connection when sharing personal information on online-dating platforms to prevent hacking or eavesdropping.

• Keep passwords secure

Use strong and unique passwords for all online dating accounts, and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.

• Avoid oversharing

Don’t share sensitive information, such as your full name, address, and financial details, until you have built a trusting relationship.

• Meet in public

When meeting someone in person for the first time, choose a well-lit, public location, and let a friend or family member know where you will be.

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests

Be wary of requests for money or other favours, especially if they seem unreasonable or are made early in the relationship.

• Report suspicious activity

If you suspect you have been a victim of online-dating fraud, report it to the authorities and the dating platform as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to also use secure and trusted security solutions to safeguard your personal information and prevent potential online threats.