Users of the gay dating app Grindr have got to be weary of whom they share their information with, as a new scam has come to light, with cyber security firm warning that scammers are trying to gain money by pretending to be victims of homophobic attacks.
The latest in dating app scams, Irish Grindr users are targeting LGBT+ people by acquiring their debit or credit card details. ESET Ireland said that scammers execute their plans by luring unsuspecting users with a fake “attractive looking” person’s profile looking to hook up, and once contact has been
established they ask for something called an “LGID”.
According to reports by PinkNews, the scammers claim to be victims of homophobic attacks, even attaching pictures of their supposed injuries, and persuade their targets into believing that an “LGID” is a form of ID that will screen the Grindr user to make sure they don’t have a criminal record.
A link is sent by the scammer to his target which leads to a website where they can register for the screening, which requires “a €2 payment for processing the ID,” stating that 50% of all payments will be donated to Harassment Victims Community Foundation (HVCF). This organisation is a complete fake and
does not exist.
The well-crafted website claims to be “an unprecedented public safety resource that provides the public with access to sex offender’s data nationwide.
“A partnership between North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and, Europe Department of Justice and state, territorial, and tribal governments, working together for the safety of everyone”.
After the victim has entered his card information to pay the fee, €50 is immediately charged to their account.
Furthermore, ESET warned that there could be “possible additional abuses of the card and the person’s private details for blackmail at a later date”.
The cyber security firm “advises extra caution when contacts on social media suggest following links that require filling out personal and payment details”.
Grindr is yet to comment on these newfound allegations.
Trees to celebrate Arbor Month