The survey says that victims of love scams have lost BRL 2 billion in the United States

Analysis of Atlas VPN, a cyber security company, shows that Victims of online dating scams in the United States have lost at least $ 343 million (R $ 2 billion at current prices) January to September 2021 only 30% growth compared to 2020.

The company estimates a loss of R $ 3 billion over the past year. In six of the seven age groups analyzed, losses from love scams are higher than in 2020, although the survey compares only nine months of 2021 to the previous year.

People from People between the ages of 60 and 79 are the most vulnerable For financial blows Dating sites and social networks. According to research, the team wasBRL 692 million and BRL 789 million accumulated losses in 2020 from the first quarter to the third quarter of last year.

The youth lost $ 130 million

Americans aged 20 to 59 will lose BRL 698 million in 2020 and BRL 1 billion from 2021 to the third quarter – 44% growth, even without data on losses in the fourth quarter of last year.

“These fraudsters have found a greater chance of infection because they now have a legitimate reason why they can not meet in person. This has allowed fraudsters to pull in more love scams than ever before,” said Edward Corp, cybersecurity researcher at Atlas VPN.

According to the U.S. Government Census of 11,000 Medicare (Combined Health Care) members, 40% I felt less social contact with family and friends Last year compared to 2020.

In addition, 28% of respondents said they did Were more stressed or anxious A further 22% said they were lonely or depressed.