What's happened
Peter Gray, a romance scammer, defrauded women he met on Tinder out of over $100,000. Gray was sentenced to 56 months in prison in February. Victims are warning others to do background checks on partners met through dating apps.
Why it matters
Romance scams, like the one perpetrated by Peter Gray, have seen a significant increase since the pandemic, with Americans losing over $1.3 billion in 2022. Gray's case highlights the importance of caution when engaging with strangers online and the need for increased awareness of romance scams.
What the papers say
According to BBC News, Peter Gray defrauded four women out of about
£80,000 on Tinder. One victim described how Gray took pictures of her driving licence and bank cards. Match Group CEO, Bernard Kim, expressed empathy for victims of scams on dating apps, stating that the company has policies in place to protect users. The CEO emphasized the importance of safety on their platforms and advised users not to send money to people they meet online.
How we got here
Romance scams have become increasingly prevalent, with scammers targeting individuals seeking companionship online. The rise of online dating platforms has provided scammers with opportunities to exploit vulnerable individuals. Victims of romance scams often suffer significant financial losses and emotional distress, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution when interacting with strangers online.
Common question
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