February 14, 2023

Romance Scams: Aura Finds That Half of Dating App Users Have Encountered Fraudulent Behavior

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BOSTON, Feb. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aura, the leader in intelligent safety for consumers, released new data that uncovered the frequency and impact of scams on online dating platforms, and examined how the dating app landscape has changed in the past 5 years in relation to fraudulent behavior and scammers. Aura's survey found that nearly half of dating app users have encountered fraudulent behavior, which could put them at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, catfishing and more.

Last week, the FTC confirmed that in 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam, with losses of $1.3 billion. Aura found that 2 in 10 Americans have ever used a dating app. Out of that population, 30% have suspected fraudulent behavior on dating apps and 17% have experienced fraudulent behavior on dating apps. Other key findings include:

  • Monetary loss: Out of those who experienced fraud on dating apps, 13% lost money, losing over $2000 on average
  • Catfishing: 50% of Americans who have used a dating app in the past five years have experienced catfishing, which is more than double from 24% 5+ years ago
  • Scammers are asking for cash: 30% of Americans who have used a dating app in the past five years have encountered someone asking for money
  • Pig butchering: 20% of Americans who have used a dating app in the past five years have encountered someone asking them to invest in cryptocurrency
  • 12% of Americans who have used a dating app in the past five years have experienced "pig butchering", which has more than doubled from 5% 5+ years ago
  • Recent increase in fraud: Fraud on dating apps has increased especially in the last 5 years. Americans who have used a dating app in the last 5 years saw a 40% increase in the amount of fraud they have suspected or experienced, compared to those who used dating apps over 5 years ago
  • Top scams: Online daters called out three scams as the most prevalent they have experienced: catfishing, financial fraud, and phishing. These three scams made up 80% of dating scams

"Scammers and cybercriminals know that people looking for love online are vulnerable to romance scams. You don't really know who you're talking to on the other end, but you also need to have a certain level of trust for online dating to really work," said Aura founder and CEO Hari Ravichandran. "Staying vigilant and cautious, spreading the word, and reporting fraudulent activities are ways to ensure that dating experiences online stay genuine for all online daters."

To access additional resources and information on the prevalence of online crimes and how consumers can implement comprehensive online protection with Aura's digital security app, visit Aura.com.

About the Study
This Aura/Ipsos Poll was conducted January 27-30, 2023 by Ipsos using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,000 general population adults aged 18 or older.

About Aura
Aura, the leader in intelligent safety solutions, provides all-in-one digital protection for consumers. We understand that the online safety needs of each individual are unique and require a personalized solution. By bringing together security, privacy and parental controls on an intelligent platform, Aura makes adaptive and proactive digital safety accessible to everyone. Visit www.aura.com.

For further information, please contact media@aura.com.