Dating app scammers: how to spot a fake match before it costs you
Quick answer
A match who professes love fast, can't meet or video call, and then asks for money is likely a scammer. The FTC says never wire money, load gift cards or send cash to someone you met online. Stop contact, report the profile to the app and file at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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How it works
Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, often with stolen photos. They message you, build a close bond quickly and often claim to be an American working overseas.
They try to move the chat off the dating platform, where reports and moderation can't reach them. After a while comes a reason you need to send money: an emergency, a travel cost, a sure investment. The FTC warns that money sent by wire, gift or reload card, or cash is generally unrecoverable.
Some also collect personal details and photos to use later.
Red flags
- Declares love within days or weeks
- Claims to work overseas or be unable to meet in person
- Wants to leave the app for text or another messenger quickly
- Always has a reason for not video calling
- Asks for money, gift cards or crypto, however small at first
- Photos look too polished or turn up under another name
What to do
- 1
Stop sending money and stop engaging
Don't wire money, buy gift cards or send cash or crypto. Real partners don't need you to do that.
- 2
Check the person
Run a reverse image search on their photos and ask for a live video call. Excuses are a signal.
- 3
Report the profile to the dating app
Use the app's report tool so the account is removed.
- 4
If you sent money, call your bank or payment provider now
Use the number on your card or the official app. Ask them to stop or recall the payment.
- 5
If you shared personal details or photos, protect yourself
Change passwords, turn on two-step verification and consider a credit freeze if you gave identity details.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pick targets from public profiles, and some look up your workplace, city and family before they write. That information is often on people-search sites and in breach data. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, and alerts you when they show up in a breach, so there is less for a fake match to work with.
Frequently asked
How can I tell if a match is real?
Ask for a live video call and watch for excuses. Reverse image search their photos. Fast declarations of love and requests for money are the clearest signs.
Do the apps remove scammers?
Apps act on reports, so report the profile. Don't rely on the app to catch every fake.
Can I get my money back?
Call your bank or payment provider immediately. The FTC says money sent by wire, gift card or cash is generally hard to recover.
Where do I report it?
To the dating app, ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
Sources
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