Fake Tinder profiles are trying to get your credit card details

(dpa) — Users of the Tinder dating app should be wary of a current scam that uses fake profiles to lure people into expensive subscriptions.

The victims, most of whom are male, are persuaded by a chatbot masquerading as the real person depicted in the dating profile to go to another site to verify their identity before the two people can meet.

The bot will typically explain to the victim that they had a bad experience with Tinder dates in the past and that they need this extra step for their security.

If the victims follow the link to the purported verification site, they are asked to enter a chat name, password, and email address. They are then asked to enter their credit card details, even though they're assured that membership is free. 

In fact, they are unwittingly signing up for various subscription memberships which are extended automatically every month. The cost can be up to 50 dollars per month.

Tinder has its own system for verifying user profiles so you should be skeptical of any third party offers to do so. And of course you should be careful when entering credit card details on a website you don't know. A quick online search will often reveal if it's a legitimate site.