In an inspiring move to combat online deception, Pernilla Sjholm, a survivor of the infamous Tinder Swindler scam, has unveiled an innovative tool designed specifically to counteract scams that dramatically altered her life. This new platform, named IDfier, was co-founded by Sjholm in collaboration with computer scientist Suejb Memeti, and it officially launched globally today.

IDfier introduces a human-to-human identity verification system that aims to enhance online safety and security. The platform is designed to offer users a straightforward yet robust method for verifying the identities of individuals they interact with online. To begin the verification process, users must scan their passport, drivers license, or other identification with their smartphone camera. For added security, if the document possesses NFC (near-field communication) capabilities, IDfier will also read the chip embedded within the ID. Furthermore, users must perform a quick head movement to confirm their identity as a real person, thereby deterring the use of static images, videos, or deepfake technology.

Once a user is verified, they can send requests to others to complete the same verification process. Both parties have the flexibility to choose what information they wish to share options include their name, age, or contact details. Impressively, all shared data is encrypted and securely distributed across different servers, ensuring user privacy and data protection.

The technology behind IDfier boasts a remarkable 99.9% accuracy rate in identifying legitimate users while effectively blocking impersonation attempts. The creators envision this tool securing a variety of online services, from e-commerce platforms to email accounts, social media networks, and, notably, dating applications like Tinder.

Pernilla Sjholm's journey with Simon Leviev, the conman behind the Tinder Swindler identity, began in 2018 when she matched with him on the dating app. Leviev, who masqueraded as the wealthy offspring of a diamond merchant, quickly charmed Sjholm with extravagant trips and luxurious experiences across Europe. However, these pleasures were funded not by Levievs purported family wealth but rather by other women he had scammed.

As their relationship progressed, Leviev feigned danger from supposed enemies and claimed he urgently needed money, which ultimately led Sjholm to fall victim to his deceit, losing tens of thousands of euros and facing bankruptcy.

During an interview with TNW in her hometown of Stockholm, Sjholm conveyed the emotional toll of her experience, stating, In my eyes, it shouldnt just be viewed as a fraud or a scam; it should be viewed as emotional abuse towards a victim. She elaborated on the feelings of shame and embarrassment that accompany such experiences, highlighting societal tendencies to blame victims rather than understanding the complex dynamics at play. People think it wouldnt happen to them, but those who believe that are often more likely to become targets, she reflected.

The Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, released in 2022, propelled Sjholm's experience into the limelight, becoming one of the streaming service's most-watched documentaries ever. Following its success, she utilized her newfound public platform to advocate for greater awareness about fraud and strategies for financial security. Since that time, Sjholm has married and become a mother to twins, experiences that prompted her to reassess her professional focus on fraud prevention.

Sjholms concerns grew particularly acute with the evolution of deepfake technology, stating, We dont even know if were interacting with a human today. Its more common now to see synthetic identities being used instead of traditional impersonation. This concern catalyzed her collaboration with Memeti, a senior lecturer at Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, who approached her with a vision for a preventative tool against fraud.

What tool did I have to really check his identity? I didnt have one, Sjholm lamented, expressing her hope that IDfier could prevent others from suffering as she did.

Sjholm has taken on the role of co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at IDfier, with Memeti serving as the Chief Executive Officer. Their venture has garnered financial backing from venture capital firms, including Visive Invest and Almi Invest, the latter being owned by the Swedish government, which lends significant credibility to their endeavor.

To sustain the platforms operations, IDfier is available via subscription on both the App Store and Google Play. Monthly subscriptions start at just $2, with options for annual subscriptions and multi-user accounts, including a family plan priced at $7 per month for up to five users. This pricing strategy is poised to tap into a vast market, as the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) estimates that scams cost consumers over $1 trillion annually, a staggering figure that surpasses the GDP of many countries.

Sjholm elucidated the gravity of the issue, noting, Fifty-to-sixty percent of scams involve fake identities. What if we could bring that down to 5%? We could have an enormous impact on the world economy. The social ramifications of identity fraud are equally concerning, as the prevalence of suicidal ideation among victims remains alarmingly high. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have noted an increase in individuals being trafficked and coerced into committing identity fraud, prompting Sjholm to assert, If we could target the scammers in this way and reduce their profitability, we could save lives.

Particularly vulnerable to scams are young people, and Sjholm aspires to eventually provide IDfier at no cost to this demographic. Her commitment to youth education is evident in her presentations at schools, where she stresses the importance of recognizing the risks associated with online interactions. One memorable session saw 95% of students admitting to engaging with strangers online, a revelation that left their teacher visibly alarmed.

Sjholm is also advocating for significant legal reforms within the European Union, aiming to criminalize the use of fake identities. I want it to be illegal to have a fake identity to pretend to be someone else. Why is that even legal? she questioned, underscoring the need for more stringent regulations to protect individuals from fraud.

In June, Sjholm will be sharing her insights on the future of fraud prevention at the TNW Conference, where she will participate in discussions alongside the Chief Technology Officer of Monzo and the head of AI at Rabobank. The conference will take place in Amsterdam, a city that holds personal significance for Sjholm as it is where she initially met Leviev face-to-face.

Its where I met my fraudster for the first time in real life, she recalled. Returning to this city with a sense of empowerment feels particularly meaningful. For those interested in attending her talk or exploring the conference's full agenda, a special offer is available: use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout to receive a 30% discount on tickets.