Online dating is a normal way to meet people—but dating app scams are rising fast. Romance scams (also called online dating scams) can lead to stolen money, stolen identities, and compromised accounts. The good news: with the right online dating safety habits, you can spot red flags early and swipe past scammers.
HCTC wants you to stay safe on dating apps. Use this guide to identify fake profiles, avoid catfishing, recognize AI dating scams, and know exactly how to report a romance scam.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam happens when someone pretends to want a real relationship to gain your trust and convince you to:
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send money or gift cards
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share personal or financial information
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provide login codes or access to accounts
These online dating scammers often start friendly and build an emotional connection over time. The goal is control—of your money, your identity, or your accounts.
Online Dating Safety: Build a Secure Dating Profile
The first step to dating app safety is creating a profile that’s real—but not revealing.
Protect your personal information online by:
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Using only your first name or a nickname
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Keeping your bio general (hobbies, music, pets, favorite foods)
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Avoiding details that could match security questions (mother’s maiden name, hometown specifics, etc.)
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Posting recent photos without identifiable backgrounds (home address, workplace, license plates, school or business logos)
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Not sharing your phone number, personal email, home address, or workplace early
Golden rule: If you wouldn’t post it publicly, don’t share it in messages—at least until you’ve verified the person is real.
Dating App Scam Red Flags: How to Spot Fake Profiles
When you’re swiping, watch for these common romance scam warning signs:
1) Photos that look too perfect
“Model-like” images can be stolen. Use a reverse image search to check if photos appear elsewhere under a different name.
2) Fast intimacy or emotional pressure
Scammers often rush closeness: “You’re my soulmate,” “We’re meant to be,” or love-bombing early on.
3) Distance excuses that prevent meeting
Claims like working overseas, military deployment, oil rigs, or remote jobs are classic ways to avoid meeting in person.
4) Avoiding video calls
One excuse is normal. Repeated refusal is a major fake profile red flag.
5) Requests for money, gift cards, or sensitive info
This is the biggest sign of an online dating scam. Never send:
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money, gift cards, crypto
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copies of IDs or documents
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banking or credit card information
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login codes sent to your phone/email
No legitimate relationship starts with a financial request.
6) Pushing you off the platform immediately
Scammers try to move to text, email, or another app so dating platforms can’t monitor or block them. For dating app safety, stay on the platform until trust is established.
AI Dating Scams: New Catfishing Tactics to Know
With AI, scammers can sound more polished and convincing. AI catfishing can include:
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perfect grammar and generic responses
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messages that don’t directly answer your questions
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overly romantic language very early
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near-instant replies at all hours—even long messages
How to spot AI dating scams:
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Ask specific questions and follow-ups (details should stay consistent)
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Request a live video call early
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Watch for video glitches, odd lip-syncing, or unnatural movement
If the conversation feels scripted, “off,” or too smooth—trust your gut.
What to Do If You Think You’re Being Scammed
If you suspect a dating app scam:
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Stop responding immediately
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Report the profile inside the dating app
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Monitor your financial accounts and social media for unusual activity
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Do not confront the scammer (they’re trained to manipulate emotions)
If you’re unsure, get help. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360) can help you figure out what’s happening—no membership required.
How to Report a Romance Scam
Reporting protects you and helps stop scam networks.
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If money or identity info was stolen: report to local police (you may need a report for your bank or insurance).
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Report suspected fraud to the FTC.
The FTC uses reports to track patterns, warn the public, and support enforcement actions.
Stay Safe on Dating Apps with HCTC
Online dating can lead to real relationships—but online dating safety matters. Protect your personal information, watch for romance scam red flags, and report suspicious accounts quickly.
HCTC is here to help you stay secure online. Follow us on Facebook for more practical tips on privacy, identity protection, and staying safe in the digital world.