What are the best ways to tell a fake Tinder profile? Our guide shows you the clues to watch out for, so you don’t end up getting scammed, catfished or defrauded.
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Because of their design, dating platforms such as Tinder repeatedly attract fraudsters and cyber criminals: high user numbers, free membership, no mandatory verification. In addition, the fraudsters can make targeted use of the emotional component. If you are looking for love, you may not see the signs of fraud. Although there are also well-made fake profiles, it is often the same signs that speak for fraud.
Best ways to tell a fake Tinder profile
Note : Even though the examples below often indicate fake profiles, there can be no 100% certainty. Profiles from real users can also look fake . In case of doubt, only a video call or meeting can verify authenticity.
Recognize fake profiles from the pictures
- Since counterfeiters have to work with stolen photos, you are more than welcome to use personalities from the public, especially with lesser known influencers.
- There are only a few profile pictures available. Fake profiles often only have 1 to 3 images.
- The pictures look professional, posed and too beautiful to be true. There are no “ snapshots ”.
- The images may also appear blurred because they are screenshots or even contain watermarks.
- If a message is hidden in the pictures, for example an email address or the user name of another platform, this can also indicate a fake profile.
Tip : If you suspect that you came across a fake profile, take screenshots of the images and run them through Google’s reverse search . This way you can see whether the picture has been stolen or who the person in the picture really is.
Recognize fake profiles from the description text
- In many cases, the profile of fakes is not provided with additional information. The profile description does not reveal anything except for name and age.
- The profile descriptions often try to lure the other person onto other platforms. In addition to well-known platforms such as Snapchat, these are usually dubious offers that can already be recognized by their names. E-mail addresses can also be disclosed. In any case, this is a warning sign; Because if you want to lure you away from Tinder without getting to know them, you definitely have no good in mind.
- If the description text sounds too promising to be true, it usually is.
Tip : A linked Instagram or Spotify profile can be a good indicator of a real profile, but these can also be faked for the purpose of credibility. With linked Instagram profiles, therefore, pay attention not only to the variety of images, but also to the authenticity.
Recognize fake profiles by typing behavior
- The first warning sign is a disproportionately quick response. If your match gives the impression during writing that it is permanently online, this can indicate a fake profile.
- According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, spelling and grammatical errors and inconsistencies in writing can also indicate fake profiles.
- Inhumanly quick reactions and obviously pre-made answers indicate chat bots.
- Even very personal questions about the mother’s maiden name or the name of the pet can be a signal for fraudsters , according to the Federal Office for Information Security. The date of birth and full name may therefore be sufficient to commit identity theft.
- You should be taken aback by links to any offers or platforms. In general, caution applies when dealing with links on the Internet . The BSI advises you to react more suspiciously and to check the links you send. In the best case, don’t click the links at all.
- Exuberant or evasive behavior is also an indication of fraudsters.
Tip : Whether fake profile or real user, the BKA advises never to share compromising material (nude pictures, bank details, etc.) on the Internet with which you could be blackmailed.
Report fake profiles on Tinder
If you discover a profile while swiping that is obviously fake, you can report this using the corresponding button. If you want to report a match, proceed as follows:
- Go to the profile.
- Click the blue shield icon in the top right.
- Select the “Report” option.
- Enter “Seems to be spam” as the reason.
In this case, you resolve the match and Tinder receives the information.
