How to spot a scam on dating apps

Scammers spend weeks building trust before they ask for money, an investment or photos. Once you know the pattern, it is easy to recognise.

The golden rule

Never send money, gift cards, codes or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person – no matter how good the story is.

Romance scams
A fake profile quickly shows strong feelings and talks about a future together. Once the bond is strong, a crisis appears that only your money can solve.
Investment and crypto scams
The person tells you about a platform or crypto product that has made them successful and helps you get started. The gains on screen are fake, and the money cannot be withdrawn.
Sextortion
The conversation quickly turns intimate and you are asked for photos or video. Afterwards, the person threatens to share them unless you pay.
The sudden crisis
A hospital stay, a customs fee, a frozen bank account or a ticket home. The amount is “just a loan” and often has to be paid by gift card or bank transfer.
Fake links and codes
You receive a link to a “verification” or are asked to read out a code from an SMS. It is an attempt to take over your account or your bank.

1
The contact
A profile with great, often professional photos and an impressive job, frequently overseas.
2
The trust
Lots of messages, big compliments and fast feelings. You feel truly seen.
3
Off the app
The person quickly wants to move to WhatsApp, Telegram or another app where we cannot help you.
4
The opportunity or the crisis
Now comes the investment, the loan or the emergency – always with a deadline.
5
The pressure
If you hesitate, the person gets hurt or angry, and you are asked not to tell anyone.

The person quickly wants to move the conversation to another app.
There is always a reason not to meet or video call.
Feelings move very fast – big words after a few days.
The story changes, or details about their job and home do not add up.
The conversation turns to cryptocurrency, trading or a “safe” investment.
The person asks for money, gift cards or help with a payment – often because of a sudden crisis.
You are asked to keep the relationship or the money secret.
You are asked for intimate photos early in the conversation.

Warnings in chat
Your phone warns you when a conversation mentions transfers, loans, crypto or investments.
Photo verification
The blue tick shows that the person in the photos has taken a matching selfie.
A check before you share contact details
Before you share your number, we remind you of the signs of a scam.
We watch for patterns
Profiles that send the same message to many people are detected and reviewed.

It is not your fault. Scammers are professionals, and it happens to smart, experienced people. The faster you act, the better.

Report the profile in the app. The person will never know it was you.