How Tinder Matches Can Turn Into Sextortion Scams
Bitdefender, Friday, June 19th, 2026
Scammers use fake dating profiles to lure victims into intimate video calls, then blackmail them with secret recordings.
Bitdefender examines how sextortion schemes operate on dating platforms like Tinder, illustrated by a Northern Ireland man's experience. Criminals build trust through messaging apps such as WhatsApp before requesting intimate video calls, which they secretly record and use for blackmail.
The scams rely on fear and social engineering, exploiting public social media information to personalize threats. While victims span all ages, young men aged 15-23 are particularly affected, and cases often go unreported due to shame.
Experts advise refusing payment, blocking scammers, preserving evidence, and reporting.