Spotting fake profiles: the typical warning signs
Most profiles are genuine. With the few that aren't, the patterns repeat – and you can learn them.
Fake profiles are rare, but they exist. Usually it's about money, sometimes about data. The good news: the tactics are very similar.
How to spot them
The photos look like they're from a magazine, there's hardly any text, and even the first message is suspiciously smitten. Questions about your day-to-day life get evasive or very generic answers.
Before long comes the suggestion to switch to WhatsApp, Telegram or another app. There's no report button and no protection there.
The clear stop sign
The moment someone asks for money, the conversation is over. No matter how good the story sounds: an emergency, a plane ticket, an investment. Real people don't ask an online contact for bank transfers.
A video call before the first meetup is a simple test. Someone who always has an excuse for why the camera isn't working probably has a reason.
Reporting helps everyone
If a profile seems off, report it directly in the app. We review every report and remove fake profiles as quickly as possible. You're not only protecting yourself, but everyone else too.
- fake profiles
- love scam
- online dating safety
- romance scam
