Dating Apps Used to Steal $369M in Crypto Fraud
Scammers laundered $369M through dating apps and crypto, sending stolen funds to Cambodia.
- Scammers used dating apps to lure victims into crypto fraud.
- $369 million laundered and linked to Cambodia.
- Victims were manipulated through fake romantic relationships.
The rise of online dating has opened doors for romance — and unfortunately, for scammers too. In a shocking new revelation, scammers have stolen $369 million by using dating apps to manipulate people into crypto fraud schemes. Once the money was stolen, it was quickly laundered and traced back to Cambodia, raising major concerns over global cybercrime operations.
These scams often begin with a simple swipe or friendly message. Victims are led into conversations that develop into fake romantic relationships. Over time, the scammer gains trust and eventually convinces the victim to invest in a “lucrative crypto opportunity.”
What starts as romance soon turns into a nightmare, with victims unknowingly transferring large amounts of money into fraudulent crypto accounts.
How the Funds Were Laundered
After successfully tricking their targets, scammers didn’t just stop at theft. They moved the stolen crypto through various wallets, exchanges, and obfuscation tools — a classic laundering technique. Reports now show that most of the laundered funds eventually ended up in Cambodia, pointing to organized crime groups with advanced money-laundering tactics.
Cybersecurity analysts warn that the combination of emotional manipulation and crypto’s anonymity makes this type of fraud particularly hard to trace and prosecute.
Staying Safe on Dating Platforms
If you’re using dating apps, it’s crucial to stay alert. Here are a few safety tips:
- Never invest money on someone’s recommendation unless you verify it independently.
- Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person talks about crypto investments.
- Look for warning signs — urgency, secrecy, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
While the promise of love can be tempting, scammers are increasingly blending emotional manipulation with financial fraud. Awareness and vigilance are key to staying safe in this digital age.
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