MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The FBI is warning people who use dating apps to stay alert as agents report a rise in robberies targeting users who think they’re meeting someone for a date.
For many singles, dating apps are already a challenge.
The FBI says users need to watch out for more than the usual red flags, as some people are using dating apps to lure victims into robberies.
“I’m not meeting with them, linking first time in their crib,” one man said.
“Just have to be really careful,” another added.
“Crazy, seems to be happening all the time,” another person said.
“Linking up, getting horny and getting robbed,” another user said.
Some users said warning signs include profile photos that look “too professional,” while others stressed “not trusting anyone too much” and always meeting in public.
“If I use a dating app, though, you need to meet in public,” one person said.
The FBI says a growing number of dating app robberies involve suspects armed with weapons.
“There are bad guys and bad girls out there who are looking to take advantage of people who are just trying to have a good time,” retired Miami Assistant Police Chief Craig McQueen said.
McQueen believes many cases are never reported.
“The number of incidents is likely a lot higher,” he said.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of unreported. People are embarrassed about it.”
He also said criminals are targeting users on gay dating apps.
“Particularly some folks who are not ready to let someone know they’re part of the LGBT community,” McQueen said.
Federal agents are urging dating app users not to share their net worth or other personal information, to use well-known dating sites and to meet in a safe, public location.
“Only use well-known sites,” McQueen said.
He also urged users to pay attention to where someone wants to meet, question why a match would need financial information and be cautious if someone creates a sense of urgency.
If a date pulls a gun during a public meeting, McQueen’s advice is simple: “Stand up. Don’t move or pass out.”
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