Tinder is a popular mobile app for starting new romantic relationships with strangers. Unfortunately, this app is often abused by bots and money-hungry scammers who create fake accounts to take advantage of users. If you stay vigilant about what you're doing, you'll stay safe. By double-checking photos and phone numbers, avoiding suspicious accounts, protecting personal information, and rejecting money transfer requests, you can find out who are scammers and account swindlers on Tinder.
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Method 1 of 3: Knowing the Characteristics of Fake Accounts
Step 1. Avoid accounts that put strange links in their profile bios
Some accounts will try to get you to visit a link. Be wary of accounts that write, for example, “Want to get to know me better?” or “Visit my personal website.” If the link appears shortened, it's most likely a trick to lead you to a malicious website.
Even if there are accounts that post links honestly, don't click on any links that look suspicious
Step 2. Be wary of accounts that post one glamorous photo
An account that has only one photo, along with several details such as occupation and education level, is highly suspicious. Also, avoid accounts that use professional photos, photos that look modified, or photos of celebrities. Skip the accounts that confuse you by posting a variety of different photos. Lastly, make sure to always ignore accounts that try to frame you with photos of your ideal looking perfect body.
- For example, there are many accounts of fraudulent bots who use the seductive pose of a beautiful woman wearing a bikini or underwear. Fake man accounts usually use photos of handsome, shirtless men with amazing abs.
- Fraudsters often update bots to trick you. So, fake accounts can use photos of cute men or women who look innocent. If the person in the photo looks like a model, the photo could be just bait to trap you.
Step 3. Check if you have any friends or hobbies in common
The Tinder algorithm always tries to match you with the closest people who have the same friends and hobbies as listed on Facebook. When you are matched with an account that has no relevance to you, that account may be a fraudulent bot that is not connected to Facebook.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Spam and Scams through Interaction
Step 1. Don't trust too fast replies
There are lots of spam bots that send messages right away after being matched with you. The goal is to seduce you. Even if this is not the case, consider the speed of replying to messages. Do the replies appear faster than the average human typing ability? If yes, then the answer is a spam bot.
- Some spam bots may be programmed to reply to answers at different times. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies in message replies that appear later on, such as sounding messages that seem made up, replies that don't make sense, and messages with poor grammatical structure and spelling.
- One way to test bots is to send nonsensical messages. Type irregular letters like “agdsgdgdf.” The bot will respond to the message like a normal message.
Step 2. Be wary of conversations that suddenly turn into invitations
Most people won't offer anything on Tinder to strangers. Bots, on the other hand, will turn a conversation into an offer to exchange phone numbers if you're willing to "play with it". He will also seduce you with sex messages.
Step 3. Don't be tempted when someone suddenly asks you to leave the app
Sooner or later, the bot will ask you to visit another website. It will provide a link with the lure of inviting you to communicate on another website. Do not open any of the submitted links. If you do, never give out information about your credit card.
- Some scammers will send you a cell phone number. Do not give out your mobile number or other personal information. Check the authenticity of the phone number if you are not sure the number is genuine.
- Beware of links sent quickly to trap you. These links usually say “You should see this” or “You won't believe this.” Often times, the link doesn't have clear information, but bots may mention that it's a cool app, video, or specific product. Never be tempted to visit it.
Step 4. Be aware of the number of questions asked
The master scammers on Tinder will try to strengthen their relationship with you. He or she will ask you lots of questions about yourself, especially about your past relationships and your current financial situation. He won't tell many details about himself. Even if he says a few things about himself, you can look for inconsistencies in his messages.
- Never give out important personal information when getting to know someone through Tinder.
- Over time, be aware of any kind of interaction you have. As you begin to build trust, look for signs of deception, such as coming up with excuses for not meeting up, refusing to send new photos, or asking you to send some money.
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Yourself from Scams
Step 1. Search the image via Google search engine
Take a screenshot of the picture of the person you're matched with on your phone, then visit CTRLQ.org. Click the “upload image” button to search for the image. This can take you to the location where the image was taken, such as Facebook or the cam site. This method will reveal signs of fraud, such as the image being used on several different accounts.
- CTRLQ.org doesn't always work as well as the Google search engine. To do this, you'll need to send the image to your computer by connecting it via a USB device, sending it via email, or storing it in a specialized service like Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive. Download the image, then visit the “images” section of Google's search engine. Click the camera icon in the search box section.
- Screenshots on Android are done by holding down the power button and the volume down button at the same time. On Apple products, hold down the sleep button on the top of the device, then press the home button on the bottom of the device.
Step 2. Never send money
Spam bots will entice you to register with certain websites, while scammers will ask you to send money to solve problems, such as accidents or family problems. When someone starts asking for money, cut your contact with them.
Never enter your credit card information on cam sites or websites that collect personal information. Search for people you find on Tinder through the Google search engine, and stop looking for phone numbers when you've found the area the number came from
Step 3. Protect your personal information
Some fraudsters and data forgers will ask for sensitive information. In addition to your ID card number, credit card, and bank information, don't give out your work and home addresses either. Also, don't give out your phone number to people you don't trust.
- For example, a data forger might ask for your home address to send a gift or ask how much money you earn each month and what bank to use to find out if you are an ideal target. Fraudulent websites will ask for credit card information and other personal information.
- Some bots will provide a fake cell phone number at the beginning of the introduction to build trust. Remember to check the number online for authenticity. Don't give out your cell phone number until you really feel safe, because your number can be used as a spam target.
Step 4. Perform a reverse search of a phone number
When someone gives you a phone number, check it carefully. You can use the Google search engine to match the area code to where you live. Also, visit websites like Whitepages or Reverse Phone Lookup. Just type in the phone number and the website will provide some information, such as the location of the owner of the number.
Phone number lookup sites offer inexpensive full report generation services, but this offer is not recommended. You can get enough information from a standard search without needing to provide credit card information
Tips
- When you feel like something is too good to be true, it probably isn't.
- Never visit a link that causes you to leave Tinder unless you are sure the link is safe. Never trust shortened links.
- The person asking for money is clearly a swindler.
