Romance Fraud: How to spot it whilst online dating

Summary

The podcast 'What the Fraud' by Suub, a global verification platform, delves into the alarming prevalence of online fraud, particularly within the dating and social media sectors. Host Thomas Tanc interviews Dr. Elizabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist, who sheds light on the challenges faced by online media due to fraud. They discuss the low risk and high rewards for criminals, the importance of individual vigilance, and the need for community and organizational efforts to combat fraud. Dr. Carter emphasizes the psychological impact of romance scams and the responsibility of platforms to implement verification measures. The episode also touches on the future of online security, the importance of data education, and offers practical advice for individuals to protect themselves from scams on social media and dating apps.

Takeaways

• 🚨 **Fraud Risk Awareness**: Individuals often underestimate their risk of being defrauded, especially on online platforms where the trust is easily established and fraud can be more隐蔽 (concealed).
• 💡 **Education on Fraud**: There is a need for better education and awareness about the signs of fraud, not just for individuals but also to be integrated into the national curriculum to instill data protection from a young age.
• 🛡️ **Protection Measures**: Implementing identity verification measures, such as video selfies and ID checks, can be effective in combating dating fraud by increasing the risk profile for criminals and deterring them from operating on the platform.
• 🤝 **Community Involvement**: Encouraging a community-driven approach to reporting and preventing fraud can help create a safer environment, but the responsibility should also lie with organizations to lead this effort.
• 📉 **Financial and Reputational Harm**: Fraudulent activities can cause significant financial loss and reputational damage to organizations, which is often underreported due to fear of appearing vulnerable or incompetent.
• 🤔 **Psychological Impact**: The psychological harm of fraud, especially romance fraud, can be severe and long-lasting, with victims often feeling a deep sense of betrayal and shame.
• 🔑 **Data as an Asset**: Personal data is as valuable as physical keys and should be protected accordingly; individuals often inadvertently give away their data without realizing its worth.
• 👮‍♂️ **Law Enforcement and Regulation**: Regulatory bodies are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing negligence in fraud cases, shifting the perspective that fraud victims are at fault.
• 🔎 **Behavioral Analytics**: Utilizing behavioral analytics can help identify potential fraudsters by monitoring for suspicious activities such as multiple registrations from the same IP address or similar biographical information across profiles.
• 💌 **Trust but Verify**: When engaging with others online, especially in dating contexts, it's important to verify the identity of the person you're interacting with and be cautious of those who resist such verification.
• ⏰ **Urgency as a Red Flag**: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick actions without adequate thought; taking time to reflect and consult with others can prevent falling for scams.

Q & A

What is one of the most underreported crimes that is commonly experienced?

Fraud is one of the most underreported crimes that is commonly experienced.

How does the use of technology like AI contribute to the issue of fraud?

The use of technology like AI contributes to the issue of fraud by allowing criminals to impersonate others and manipulate people from a distance, exploiting the trust people place in digital interactions.

Why might organizations be hesitant to report fraud incidents?

Organizations might be hesitant to report fraud incidents because they want to protect their reputation and may appear incapable of safeguarding their own systems if they admit to being defrauded.

What is the term used by fraudsters to describe easy targets?

The term used by fraudsters to describe easy targets is 'low hanging fruit'.

What is the psychological harm of romance fraud compared to other forms of abuse?

The psychological harm of romance fraud has been described as devastating and akin to the psychological harm of rape, indicating a profound impact on the victim's trust and emotional well-being.

Why is it important for individuals to report fraud when they experience it?

It is important for individuals to report fraud to help authorities understand the true extent of the crime, to receive the necessary support, and to prevent others from becoming victims.

What is the role of a 'capable guardian' in the context of online dating?

A 'capable guardian' in the context of online dating is a trusted person who is informed about the individual's online interactions and can provide an outside perspective to help identify potential fraud or manipulation.

How can mandatory verification on media platforms help combat fraud?

Mandatory verification on media platforms can help combat fraud by increasing the risk profile for criminals, making it more difficult for them to create fake profiles and defraud users.

What are some telltale signs of a potential fraudster online?

Telltale signs of a potential fraudster online include rushing the victim into decisions, creating a sense of urgency, reluctance to meet in person, and resistance when the victim wants to involve a third party in their communications.

How can the misuse of personal data lead to further victimization?

The misuse of personal data can lead to further victimization as it can be sold and used for various criminal activities, and once defrauded, individuals are more likely to be targeted again due to their inclusion on 'suckers lists'.

What are Dr. Elizabeth Carter's top three tips for individuals to protect themselves against dating scams and fraud on social media?

Dr. Elizabeth Carter's top three tips are: 1) Have a 'wing person' or capable guardian who is aware of and involved in your online dating activities. 2) Ensure you meet the person in person before engaging in any financial transactions. 3) If you have been a victim of fraud, report it to the appropriate authorities and seek psychological support.