Police have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when forming friendships or romantic relationships through online dating applications, warning of a rise in financial fraud linked to such platforms.According to Police, several incidents have been reported in which scammers deceive victims through friendship requests, romantic relationships and marriage proposals initiated via dating apps.

The fraudsters reportedly manipulate victims by sending persuasive and appealing messages over short or extended periods to gain their trust.They subsequently contact victims through popular social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram, posing as individuals offering sexual services or companionship. Victims are then persuaded to download and install specific mobile applications.Police warned that these applications may contain malicious software capable of accessing sensitive financial information and login credentials when victims carry out online banking transactions, enabling scammers to steal money from their accounts.In a common method, fraudsters distribute malicious Android application packages (APK files) disguised as dating apps. Once installed, the software can potentially compromise users’ devices and capture banking usernames, passwords and other sensitive information during online transactions.Police noted that financial scams conducted through social media and messaging platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals exploiting the promise of love, romance and companionship to deceive unsuspecting individuals.The public has been advised not to download applications from unknown or unverified sources and to avoid sharing sensitive personal information with strangers. This includes banking details, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), personal photographs and video recordings.

Police stressed the importance of remaining vigilant when interacting with strangers online, urging the public to take appropriate precautions to protect their personal information, mobile devices and financial accounts from cybercriminals.