Apparently, Tinder spam bots simply changed their scripts in order to get users phone numbers instead. They then proceeded to text them the spam links via SMS. “Our topic modeler looks for phone number related complaints, and then classifies them using Data Scientist to validate correlation.

Can Tinder bots hack your phone?

According to the company, the security flaws can be exploited by hackers to breach any Tinder users privacy. The vulnerabilities affect both the iOS and Android versions of the application and make it possible for an attacker using the same network as the user to monitor the latters Tinder activity.

Why would someone on Tinder want your phone number?

A phone number is needed to prove that each and every person that uses the Tinder mobile app and website is real. By requiring steps that only a human can replicate, Tinder sends a verification code to the cell phone, which they then have to manually enter into the verification box to receive access to Tinder.