Cyber criminals have introduced a newer version of the Fake Date scam aimed at stealing money from Russians through dating apps and social platforms. The information comes from the FACCT, a Russian organization dedicated to researching and fighting cybercrime by developing protective technologies.
During the autumn of 2023, FACCT reported that six fraudulent groups in Russia operated under the Fake History umbrella. One of these groups alone allegedly earned more than 6.5 million rubles in just ten days, and the operators conducted 721 separate operations to drain funds from victims. The scale of activity highlights a systematic approach to monetizing online dating interactions.
Analyzing the typical losses, FACCT noted that the average amount stolen per victim in fall 2023 hovered around 9,000 rubles, even though a single victim could experience multiple losses in a row. Earlier in 2023, the most active seven groups collectively generated about 5 million rubles from individuals seeking romance during a brief window of standout dates in February and March, according to the organization’s press service.
The classic Fake History scenario usually unfolds as follows. A scammer pretends to be an appealing partner on social networks or dating sites, arranging a romantic outing at venues like theatres or entertainment spots or simply ordering meals. A link to a phishing site is sent, prompting the victim to purchase a ticket and unknowingly hand over card details. In some cases, the scheme triggers repeated charges or refunds, eroding the victim’s confidence and financial security.
Recently, criminals have shifted to extracting funds well before a planned first date. Once capricious trust is established through initial messages, the fake partner may vanish, or their media may load slowly, signaling a pullback. In some cases, the scammer claims internet connectivity issues and requests a small sum to cover ongoing expenses. Subsequently, the individual is directed to a fake service site where a mobile app is downloaded, and financial data can then be captured by the attackers through spyware embedded in the app.
Data theft extends to the process of arranging rides, with a similar pattern used to obtain a taxi booking through the fake partner, leveraging the same levers of trust and deception to access funds. The overarching tactic is designed to elicit quick financial responses before the victim recognizes the fraud, capitalizing on emotional involvement as a vulnerability.
Support channels for Fake History continue to operate through messaging apps, notably Telegram. In those conversations, members who persuade victims to download the malicious app share a link for the APK file and coordinate illicit online activity, including the purchase of chatbots or pre-recorded audio and video messages that impersonate a young woman. This layer of manipulation creates a sense of authenticity and urgency that can be difficult to resist.
Authorities and security researchers urge caution when interacting with unsolicited communications from new online acquaintances. The recommended practice is to avoid transferring conversations from advertising chats to personal messaging platforms, and to refrain from clicking unfamiliar links received through messages or email. The safest approach is to download apps only from official app stores or legitimate service websites, and to exercise skepticism about requests that involve transferring money or personal data to new contacts.
FACCT warns that such scams can be highly structured and persistent, evolving with changes in technology and user behavior. While the specifics of these operations may vary, the core risk remains the same: fraudsters seek to establish trust quickly, then exploit it to access financial information and direct payments. Ongoing public awareness and rapid reporting of suspicious activity are essential to reduce these losses and help authorities trace the networks behind Fake History campaigns.
The situation illustrates a broader trend in cyber fraud where dating-related schemes adapt to new platforms and payment methods, exploiting the emotional stakes of relationships. By understanding the mechanics of these schemes, individuals can better protect themselves and reduce the window of opportunity for criminals to commit fraud. The lessons extend beyond Russia and are relevant to users of dating apps and social platforms worldwide, including North American audiences who may encounter similar tactics in different cultural and regulatory contexts. The emphasis remains on thoughtful scrutiny of online interactions and a disciplined approach to financial security, especially when social connections form the first step toward a potential date.