{"id":23162,"date":"2020-07-27T11:36:53","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T19:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=23162"},"modified":"2022-04-13T12:23:52","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T20:23:52","slug":"tinder-scams-to-watch-out-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/tinder-scams-to-watch-out-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Match a Scammer? Four Tinder Scams to Watch Out For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The vast majority of Tinder\u2019s 50 million swipers<\/a> are found in 190+ countries<\/a> around the world. They\u2019re people just like you \u2014 looking for love or a steamy dalliance on the side. But, it\u2019s understandable that a few rotten eggs are lurking in its darkest recesses, including scammers looking to make off with your pocketbook or personal information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do you stay safe, get \u201cmatched,\u201d and avoid getting Tinder-scammed in the process?  Here are the four most common scams on Tinder and some tips for spotting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catfishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The catfishing scam<\/a> is probably the most famous of online dating frauds.  The catfisher will create a fake profile with an identity that isn\u2019t his or her own.  Then the scammer will seduce you off the site by getting your phone number or email address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is your match a catfish? Uncover potential scammers!<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After getting off the site, the scammer has gained a little more trust from you.  Then he or she will build a closer relationship by text, phone calls or email.  You will never actually meet your catfisher in real life.  If successful, the catfisher gets what he or she wants \u2014 your details to steal your identity, some way of compromising you financially, money or some form of sick gratification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To thwart a catfishing attempt, keep your communication confined to Tinder until you meet the person in real life.  Anytime you move to WhatsApp<\/a> or text messaging to coordinate a date, know that you\u2019re moving into more dangerous territory, and be careful with the personal information you share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another catfishing red flag is when the person stays in contact but never wants to meet for a date.  Be cautious with someone like this and consider cutting off all communication, no matter how \u201ctrustworthy\u201d the scammer appears.  Don\u2019t let yourself build trust with a person you\u2019ve never actually met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catfishing is so common that MTV\u2019s show Catfish <\/em>is entirely dedicated to investigating it. Here\u2019s how the professionals catch a catfisher<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scammy Tinder Bots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the advent of artificially intelligent chat bots, you could unknowingly match with a chat bot programmed to scam you. The chat bot will look like a normal Tinder profile, and it will simulate a conversation with you \u2013 even answer your questions. At some point, the bot will send a link to a game it wants you to play, a chat app it wants you to use, or some other website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you visit the link, you might accidentally download a piece of malware that compromises your privacy. Alternatively, the link could take you to a fake website that tries to get your personal information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid getting scammed by a Tinder bot, here are some red flags to look for<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n