The Netflix docuseries “The Tinder Swindler” shocked the nation as viewers watched a serial scammer going by the alias of Simon Leviev con an alleged $10 million from Cecilie Fjellhøy, Pernilla Sjöholm and Ayleen Charlotte, and is suspected of conning many more.
The docuseries unfolds as each woman recounts their interactions with Simon Leviev and the lies he told in order to “swindle” their money. They were led to believe that Leviev was the son of billionaire Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev and his status made him a constant target for those who wanted to steal his money. Through this false narrative and many others, Leviev was able to convince various women to wire him money in order to keep him out of danger.
The docuseries has provided a real-life example of the potential dangers online dating contains and Tinder users have become increasingly hesitant of using the app.
In August 2021, Tinder announced that ID verification would be available to their app’s users, however, this security measure is completely voluntary. Tinder users will not be required to provide any other form of verification to notify others of their identity. Therefore, scammers like Leviev can still use the app undetected.
It is not clear whether apps like Tinder will put more effort into increasing safety features to better aid the online dating process for those who are distrustful of the app. After the docuseries has shown light on the safety features Tinder does not use, the app still has not made any changes to guidelines that are already in place. The very possible chance of a potential danger does not provide much solace to those using the app or those thinking about online dating.
Tinder users have now taken the responsibility of authenticating the identity of those who they are talking to upon themselves now more than ever. Online daters have tried to use their own online dating methods in efforts to protect themselves from scamming profiles.
Although creating a self-made verification process users can follow may decrease the likelihood of being scammed, there will never be one-hundred percent certainty for those who continue to use Tinder. Until then, the online dating community will be forced to endure the precariousness that surrounds the world of online dating.
