Tinder scammers: how to spot a fake profile and what to do
Quick answer
A Tinder match who asks for money, pushes you to move to text or another app fast, or can't video call is likely a scammer. Never send money. Report the profile in the app and file at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Tinder is where they find you, not who they are.
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How it works
Scammers use fake or stolen profiles on dating apps, including Tinder, to start a relationship. They are the ones breaking the app's rules: Tinder lists requests for money and fraudulent profiles as reportable violations.
Tinder says that because chats on the app are subject to its Trust & Safety detection, bad actors often try to move the conversation to text, a messaging app, email or phone right away. Once you're off the platform, the requests start: an emergency, a travel cost, an investment tip.
The FTC recommends a reverse image search of the profile photos, and says to be wary of anyone who won't meet or talk on a phone or video call.
Red flags
- A match who quickly asks to move to text or another app
- Any request for money, even in an emergency
- Photos that appear under other names in a reverse image search
- Refusing to video call or meet
- Fast declarations of love
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers or crypto
Example message
You seem so genuine, I don't use this app much. Can we chat on [messaging app] instead? My number is [phone number].
What to do
- 1
Keep the chat in the app
Tinder's safety tips advise keeping conversations on the platform and never sending money, even in an emergency.
- 2
Check their photos
Run a reverse image search. If the photos belong to someone with another name, it's a fake profile.
- 3
Report the profile in the app
Open the profile or chat, tap the ellipses or shield icon and choose Report. You can still report someone you unmatched.
- 4
If you sent money, contact your bank or payment company
Ask them to stop or reverse the payment, and report it to the FTC.
- 5
Protect yourself from follow-ups
Be careful about "recovery" offers that ask for fees, and change passwords if you shared any account 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 on dating apps often look you up before messaging. A name, employer or city is enough to find your address, phone number and relatives on people-search sites. Serus finds where your address, phone number and email are listed on data brokers and people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Is Tinder itself a scam?
No. Scammers use Tinder, like other dating apps, and Tinder says requests for money and fraudulent profiles break its rules.
How do I report a Tinder scammer?
Open their profile or chat, tap the ellipses or shield icon and select Report. Tinder says you can still report someone you unmatched.
Why do they want to move to WhatsApp or text?
Tinder says bad actors move chats off the app to avoid its Trust & Safety detections.
I sent money to a match. What now?
Contact your bank or the payment company, stop talking to them and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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