person checking tinder profile on phone

So, you’ve decided to dive into the wild world of Tinder. Exciting, right? The possibility of finding your soulmate (or at least a fun Friday night) is just a few swipes away. Hold up, though — before you start planning your wedding or booking that romantic getaway, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Tinder scams.

Look, finding love (or a good time) online can be awesome. On the flip side, it can also be a minefield of fake profiles, sob stories, and scammers who just need your bank details. We know, we know — you’re probably thinking, “Scams? Not me! I’m too savvy for that.” Trust us, these scammers are slicker than your ex’s excuses.

Stick with us, and we’ll show you how to navigate the dating world with confidence. We’re about to spill the tea on Tinder’s dark side, you know, the stuff they don’t mention in those peppy commercials.

5 Common Tinder Scams

Here are the five most common Tinder scams that you must be aware of before you go on a right-swiping frenzy.

Scam #1: Fake Profiles and Catfishing

Catfishing, for those unfamiliar, is the delightful act of deceiving someone online by creating a fake persona. These fake profiles often use stolen photos of models, celebrities, or even random attractive people found on the internet. The bio might be full of generic, inoffensive details, or worse, crafted to perfectly match what they think you’d find irresistible. 

Here’s the thing: These catfish aren’t after your heart (well, not in the mushy, romantic way). They’re usually after something else, like your money or personal information. 

So, how do you spot these imposters before you accidentally swipe right on a catfish? Red flags to look out for include:

  • Photos That Look Too Perfect: Think professional-grade photography on every single picture. Unless they moonlight as a fashion model (unlikely on Tinder, let’s be honest), it’s a red flag.
  • Lack of Details: Catfishers often keep their bios vague to avoid inconsistencies. Do they mention their job, hobbies, or anything even slightly specific? A profile that reads like a blank canvas is a major red flag.
  • Inconsistent Stories: Does their bio say they’re a lawyer, but their pictures show them scaling Mount Everest in their spare time? Yeah, something doesn’t add up. Be wary of inconsistencies that raise eyebrows.
  • Refusal to Video Chat: If your dreamy match constantly dodges video calls or insists on keeping things text-based only, that’s a major red flag. A real person who’s genuinely interested shouldn’t be afraid to show their face.

A little healthy skepticism can go a long way on Tinder. If you ever encounter a catfish, don’t be afraid to report them to Tinder. They don’t tolerate imposters, and you might just be saving someone else from a disappointing swipe.

Scam #2: Romance Scams

Unlike fake profiles, romance scammers don’t disappear after a few awkward messages. They invest time and effort to build a phony connection, all with the ultimate goal of separating you from your hard-earned cash.

Romance scammers are experts at emotional manipulation. They prey on your desire for connection and exploit your feelings to gain your trust. Once they have you hooked, they’ll slowly introduce the money angle. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  • Professions That Involve Travel: Doctors, soldiers, and oil rig workers are popular choices for scammers as they have an excuse for being “away” and unable to meet in person.
  • Pressure to Move Off-App: Romance scammers often try to isolate you by moving the conversation to text messages or another platform where Tinder’s safety features don’t apply.
  • Requests for Money Transfers: Romance scammers rarely ask for cash directly. Instead, they might suggest using a money transfer service, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, making it harder to track the money and recoup your losses.

Our Tip: If someone you barely know online is asking for money, it’s a scam. Period. Don’t let their emotional pleas cloud your judgment.

Scam #3: Sugaring Scams

Sugaring arrangements are when a wealthy benefactor (“sugar daddy” or “sugar momma”) offers financial support to a younger partner (“sugar baby”) in exchange for companionship. This can be a complex topic. 

However, online dating platforms, especially Tinder, are a breeding ground for scammers who exploit the idea of sugaring for their own gain.

These scams come in many flavors, but the core principle remains the same — tricking you into giving them money instead of receiving it. Here’s how to spot the not-so-sweet signs:

  • Empty Promises With Zero Details: These scammers are all talk and no action. They’ll shower you with vague promises of a luxurious life but offer no specifics about their income, background, or actual “arrangement.”
  • Requests for Upfront Fees: A real sugar daddy (or mommy) wouldn’t ask for money upfront. Beware of requests for “gifts,” “processing fees,” or anything else that requires you to pay before receiving anything.

It’s also worth noting that sugaring arrangements can be risky and potentially illegal depending on your location and the nature of the exchange. As such, you must be aware of the legal implications before entering such an arrangement.

Our Tip: If someone online is offering you a luxurious lifestyle in exchange for very little, it’s probably a scam. There’s no such thing as a free lunch (or designer handbag).

Scam #4: Tinder Plus (Gold Scams)

Tinder Plus and Gold offer features like unlimited swipes, a “boost” to increase profile visibility, and the ability to see who likes you. While these upgrades can be tempting, they also create an opportunity for scammers to exploit eager daters. These Tinder Plus/Gold scams aim to trick you into revealing personal information or parting with your money through deceitful tactics.

Here’s how these Tinder Plus/Gold scams reel you in:

  • Phishing Links: These scammers might send you links that appear to be from Tinder, promising a free upgrade or exclusive access if you click and log in. However, these links lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials and potentially billing information.
  • Fake Upgrade Offers: Scammers might create counterfeit profiles promising you a free Tinder Plus/Gold subscription in exchange for following a suspicious link or completing a survey. Remember, Tinder won’t randomly offer upgrades through unofficial channels.

Tinder provides transparent information about their paid features within the app. Don’t fall victim to pressure tactics or shady upgrade offers. If you decide to upgrade to Tinder Plus or Gold, do it directly through the official Tinder app, not through links from unknown sources.

Scam #5: Investment and Emergency Scams

Love may make the world go round, but it shouldn’t be the basis for your investment decisions. Tinder, unfortunately, can attract scammers who prey on emotions to lure victims into risky financial ventures or exploit them during vulnerable moments.

Here’s how these scams unfold:

  • Vague Investment Opportunities: The details about the investment will be murky, often involving cryptocurrency, online trading platforms you’ve never heard of, or “guaranteed” high-yield schemes.
  • Pressure to Invest Quickly: These scammers will try to rush you into a decision, playing on your emotions and fear of missing out. Remember, legitimate investments require research and careful consideration, not a quick swipe right.
  • Fake Trading Platforms: They might even direct you to a phony trading platform that shows inflated returns to lure you in. These platforms will eventually steal your money, and any “profits” you see are simply fabricated.

Our Tip: Never send money or invest based solely on online connections. Before investing, research the opportunity thoroughly. Legitimate investments won’t involve pressure tactics or pleas based on emotion.

General Tips to Avoid Tinder Scams

Now that you have a clearer idea about some of the most common Tinder scams, let’s arm you with some foolproof tactics to keep those scammers at bay. 

  1. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Your instincts are your first line of defense.
  2. Take It Slow: Scammers often rush relationships. If they’re pushing for commitment (or cash) faster than you can say “catfish,” hit the brakes.
  3. Keep It on the App: Tinder has safety features. Once you move to WhatsApp or email, you’re in the Wild West.
  4. Google Is Your Friend: Reverse image search those profile pics. If your “match” is actually a stock photo model, run for the hills.
  5. Video Chat Before Meeting: It’s 2024, people. If they can’t hop on a quick video call, they might not be who they claim to be.
  6. Public Record Search: Yeah, it sounds intense, but hear us out. Sites like PublicRecord can help verify if your match is a real person. Just use this power responsibly, okay?
  7. Never Send Money: Not for emergencies, not for sick relatives, not even if they promise to make you a Nigerian prince. Just don’t.
  8. Watch for Inconsistencies: If their story keeps changing, they might be spinning a web of lies.
  9. Meet in Public: When you’re ready to meet, choose a busy, public place. Also, tell a friend or family member where you’re going.
  10. Report Suspicious Activity: If you spot a scammer, report them. You’ll be doing the whole Tinder community a solid.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you steer clear of scams on Tinder or any other dating site.

Stay Safe on Tinder By Avoiding Scams

As we wrap it up, we want to reiterate the fact that a bit of caution goes a long way. You can still find love (or whatever you’re looking for) while keeping your wits about you. Now, go forth and swipe smartly.

Mark Simon

Mark Simon

author