What Is Honeytrapping?

Honeytrapping is a tool a hacker uses to prey on those looking to find a relationship. Although it plays out on a different front than other attempts at social engineering, the scam is the same. The hacker presents themselves––using fake photos and information––as someone looking for some type of romantic or interpersonal relationship and lures the target into believing that the fake person is real. Once the target has fallen for the ruse, the hacker tries to convince the target to provide money or divulge private information.

Honeytrapping can also take the form of unsolicited emails that encourage users to click on a certain link with a promise of romantic connections. Such links usually lead to websites designed with malicious intent.