This Valentine’s Day, which should prompt some French people to take the plunge towards a dating app, antivirus specialist Norton reminds us that these sites and apps can be dangerous too. Thus, a quarter of French adults (25%) have been victims of a “romance scam”, according to a survey carried out in 8 countries.
Among the most widespread scams we find catfishing (use of a fake profile), redirection to a fake dating site or inheritance scam. This French average corresponds to that of most of the countries studied by Norton (Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, etc.) with the exception of India, which is experiencing an epidemic: 66% of Indians have been victims of these scams. .
financial losses
Above all, 55% of the French victims suffered financial losses: 139 euros on average, compared to 144 euros in Germany, 213 euros in the United States or 145 euros in Australia.
Risks that should encourage those who are on dating sites or who want to go there to take certain precautions, such as not passing on bank details to a person who only meets online. A 2019 British study also showed that women over the age of 50 accounted for the majority of romance scams.
Study conducted by The Harris Poll for Norton following 8,022 adults (18+) in 8 countries, including 1,001 people in France. The survey was conducted online from November 29 to December 19, 2022.
Source: BFM TV
