Finding matches on dating apps like Hinge should ideally spark connections, not threats. Sadly, living in the 21st century means being exposed to increasingly more online scams, and dating apps like Hinge are not out of the reach of scammers.
In fact, they’re a huge target for them. It all has to do with the user’s desire for real connections. This often causes us to drop our defenses, opening us up to a higher likelihood of falling for scams.
If you’re currently in the middle of such a scam, know that help is all around. You just have to know where to look, so stay tuned to learn more.
What Is Hinge?
Hinge has been around for over a decade now, slowly building a user base. In the past couple of years, it’s seen a huge spike in interest, growing from a modest million users in 2022 to more than 28 million in 2024.
With that increase in users also comes an increase in scammers. The reason is really quite simple. The illusion of anonymity on dating apps and social media platforms makes it all too easy for them to hide their true identities.
They prey on unsuspecting users, who, unfortunately, can be a rather large part of the overall user base. Scammers lure them into sharing intimate photos or videos. From there, they weaponize that content with threats of exposure unless demands are met.
The financial toll of online dating scams has skyrocketed in recent years, with victims losing a staggering $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. This alarming statistic doesn’t even account for the countless cases that go unreported due to shame or fear.
If you’re facing sextortion on Hinge, taking immediate action is crucial. First and foremost, document everything. Save screenshots of messages, profiles, and any identifying information you can gather.
Report the perpetrator to Hinge, which can lead to their account being banned or deleted. Confide in trusted friends or family for emotional support — you don’t have to go through this alone.
But don’t stop there. Seek professional help from digital forensic investigators like Digital Forensics. We have a team available around the clock that specializes in cybercrime. They have the expertise to track down scammers and hold them accountable for their illegal actions.
How Digital Forensics Can Help
At Digital Forensics, we use advanced tools and methods to obtain the evidence we need. We can trace transactions to help us identify the bad guys. Our process is designed to put the power back in your hands. We can hone in on the perpetrators through IP tracking and other cutting-edge techniques.
In most cases, we can secure a cease-and-desist letter demanding proof that your personal content has been deleted. We have an impressive 90% success rate in achieving this outcome and ending the perpetrator’s contact with the victim.
The bottom line is you don’t have to let the criminals win or control you. Reach out to Digital Forensics today and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Sources:
Hinge Revenue and Usage Statistics (2024) | Business of Apps
How to Spot Dating Scams | McAfee Blog
What Is Cybercrime? | Digital Privacy | U.S. News
How to Trace an IP Address: 12 Steps (with Pictures) | wikiHow
