If you thought getting catfished when using the best dating apps to find a girlfriend was bad enough, now the FBI is warning that scammers are using new tactics to prey on unsuspecting singles online

As reported by BleepingComputer, the government agency released a new Public Service Announcement warning that "free" online verification services are the latest way scammers and fraudsters are targeting dating app users

In the past, scammers have used romance scams to swindle dating app users out of their hard-earned cash But now that people have become smarter about these scams, scammers are switching things up by using a monthly fee model instead

Here is everything you need to know about this latest dating scam and how you can avoid becoming a victim yourself

One of the most popular romance scams is commonly referred to as pig slaughter, where scammers boost their victims' confidence and fatten them up before taking everything they have However, this takes a great deal of time and effort, so scammers use "free" online verification services to begin exploiting their victims financially over time

In its public service announcement, the FBI explains that scammers using this technique first meet their victims on a dating app or website From here, they attempt to convince the victim to move from the dating app or website to an encrypted platform while expressing interest in establishing a real relationship

To convince the victim that this is a good idea, the scammer explains that using this encrypted platform is a more secure means of communication He then sends them a link to a website that offers a "free" verification process to confirm that neither he nor the victim is a sex offender or serial killer In fact, the so called verification sites used in this scam contain fake articles on these subjects to make them appear more legitimate

If the victim is not yet aware that they are being duped, the next step in the verification process should be a deadly premonition To be authenticated, the victim must provide both personal and financial information, including name, phone number, e-mail address, and credit card number

Once authenticated, the victim is directed to a shoddy dating site, and the monthly credit card statement shows a charge to an unknown company rather than to the site itself At this point, however, the scammer has everything they need to commit fraud and identity theft

Online dating can be fun, but as we have seen here, it can also be dangerous if necessary precautions are not taken and extreme care is not taken online

First, never click on a link, download a file, or open an attachment from someone you just met online The link may lead you to a malicious website or the file or attachment may contain dangerous malware

This is why you should use the best antivirus software on your PC, the best Mac antivirus software on your Apple computer, and the best Android antivirus app on your Android smartphone for iPhone users unfortunately, due to Apple's own limitations, there is no iOS equivalent to these Android antivirus apps, but Intego's Mac security software can scan iPhone malware connected to a Mac via USB

Just like when you buy an item from the Facebook Marketplace, you do not want to transfer a conversation with someone from a dating app or website to another platform Dating sites and apps have built-in protections to keep users safe that many other platforms do not

At the same time, you want to keep a level head and not let your emotions get in the way Like hackers, scammers often try to create a sense of urgency and get you to take action without thinking it through Likewise, you also want to avoid oversharing and under no circumstances should you provide someone online with sensitive personal or financial information that could be used against you

These days, most dating apps and websites are free, but if they charge, you can find lots of information online about the subscription plans and services they offer Any dating app or website that sends you links to other services is a red flag and you should definitely avoid clicking on those links