Caught in a Love Scam: Hate Crime on a Dating App

A young man from Campbell, New York—Andrew Kidder—has been arrested after police allege he used a dating app to threaten and extort money from someone in Bath. Kidder is accused of creating fake profiles to lure victims, then demanding cash or gifts in exchange for keeping private details hidden.

How the Investigation Began

• A Bath resident reported harassment on an unnamed social media dating platform.
• The victim claimed that after chatting and sharing pictures, the attacker threatened to release sensitive information unless they complied with his demands.
• Investigators traced the scheme back to Kidder, who operated multiple fraudulent accounts.

Evidence and Arrest

• Digital evidence and subpoenas of social media sites confirmed Kidder’s identity and actions.
• He was arrested on Tuesday and taken to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment.

Charges

• Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, classified as a hate crime.
• The court has not clarified why it is labeled a hate crime, which typically involves bias against protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender identity.

Context

• The exact amount of money Kidder sought remains unknown.
• Both Bath and Campbell are in Steuben County, less than 25 miles from Corning in New York’s Southern Tier.