In this feature, we highlight some of the key tactics used by cybercriminals via online dating websites, helping you stay safe on Valentine’s Day.
The post Prince Charming: The Valentine’s Day scammer appeared first on We Live Security.
Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and Romancing the Phone
Planning a pre-Valentine’s Day surprise? Let your iPhone — and the Avira Vault — help you make the big romantic decisions securely.
The post Valentine’s Day and Romancing the Phone appeared first on Avira Blog.
Is your valentine for real? Six signs you might be falling for an online dating scam
With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, millions will be looking for love online. Here’s six online dating scams to look out for.
The post Is your valentine for real? Six signs you might be falling for an online dating scam appeared first on We Live Security.
Who’s dating who online & how do you get in safely?
Like many services, dating has made the move from your desktop to your pocket thanks to mobile apps that help you find love just around the corner.
In fact, because of that move to pockets and purses worldwide, there’s been a massive popularity explosion in online dating.
The country with the most online daters by far is the USA, merely because of the sheer number of people using mobile phones and downloading dating apps, according to our own research. As the birthplace of the mobile app industry, this doesn’t really come as surprise.
However, Americans are not the most likely to be dating online when viewed as a percentage.
When you break down how many people per 1000 are downloading dating apps, Americans are blown away by the United Kingdom, Australians and Canadians, and are only marginally ahead of the Argentinians. But even the Saudis are getting in on the online dating tango.
Choosing a site
If you’ve ever been tempted to try your hand at online dating, choosing the right service is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Whatever your age, interests or demographic there will be a site out there catering to your needs. I would advise sticking to well-known sites so that you can get support if you need it.
Interestingly, AVG’s research showed that app popularity differed greatly between countries. For example, Tinder is neck and neck with Plenty of Fish in the USA, but is dominant in Argentina.
If you do your research, you can pick the right service that will give you the best chance of success in your country.
Staying safe while online dating:
If you’re ready to jump into online dating, I would advise taking a few precautions to ensure you have a fun and safe time. Here are five simple tips to help you stay safe:
- Use throwaway accounts: Some apps require an email or a Facebook account to log in. It may be best to create a new email or Facebook account, so that if things go sour, you can always limit your exposure and just close them down.
- Use secure messaging in app: Don’t rush to move to off-app communications (emails, phone, etc). Take your time and communicate through the app, it’s there to help you stay private and get support when you need it.
- Be wary of fake accounts: Fake dating profiles are known as Catfish scams. Don’t give out any personal details unless you are sure you’re talking to a real person. And remember that until you actually meet in person, you can never truly be sure—so try to get on a video call.
- Be careful what you share: Most people know that the photos you share on social media sites become their property, but you may still be surprised to become the “hot date of the week” promoted on the app. Make sure you’re for anything you share to be seen publicly.
- If you want to meet, tell someone where you’re going: It goes without saying that you shouldn’t rush out to meet someone you don’t know in the middle of the night. Make sure someone knows you’re out there and check in with them from time to time to let them know everything is ok.