DOJ plans to recover $200K stolen in Tinder crypto scam

DOJ plans to recover $200K stolen in Tinder crypto scam as federal prosecutors pursue funds tied to a dating app fraud case

ContentsInvestigation into the Tinder-based crypto schemeHow the scam moved funds and avoided detectionCivil forfeiture efforts and financial lossesAuthorities say the scheme involved deception, fake investments, and significant financial losses.

The United States Department of Justice has filed a civil forfeiture action seeking to recover about $200,000 in stolen cryptocurrency. The funds are held in the stablecoin Tether and are linked to an alleged romance investment scam.

Investigation into the Tinder-based crypto scheme

The case was filed by the Massachusetts United States Attorney’s Office. Investigators say the victim met the suspect through the Tinder dating application. The suspect claimed to be a financial advisor with expertise in cryptocurrency investments.

After initial conversations, the suspect suggested moving communication to WhatsApp. Officials say this step is common in organized online fraud schemes. The suspect reportedly built trust through regular communication and financial discussions.

According to the DOJ, the suspect promised high returns from crypto investments. He claimed the victim could achieve long-term financial security. The victim later agreed to participate and asked for help setting up accounts.

How the scam moved funds and avoided detection

The suspect allegedly told the victim he created a Coinbase account on her behalf. He then instructed her to transfer funds into the account. Later, he said the assets would be moved to another trading platform.

Court filings state that the platform used different domain names over time. The victim was told her funds were being actively invested. She later disclosed having a large bank balance during a conversation.

Following these discussions, the victim sent over $384,000 to several unhosted wallets. She believed the wallets were connected to the investment platform. The DOJ says these wallets were controlled by criminal actors.

In March 2025, the victim’s Coinbase account was restricted due to suspicious transfers. Shortly after, individuals claiming to be customer support contacted her. They offered alternative methods to continue investing.

Civil forfeiture efforts and financial losses

The supposed customer service agents instructed the victim to wire funds directly from her bank. She sent an additional $112,253 over several days. These transfers occurred near the end of March 2025.

In April, the agents claimed the victim owed a $200,000 tax payment. They said the payment was required to access her funds. This claim raised concerns and caused the victim to stop sending money.

Investigators say the total losses exceeded $500,000. The funds represented most of the victim’s savings. The crypto account linked to the scheme was seized in June.

The DOJ is now seeking to recover a portion of the stolen assets. Federal law allows forfeiture of property tied to criminal activity. The case remains part of broader efforts to combat online investment fraud.