How to Recognize Fake Dating Profiles
There are plenty of dating apps that make finding a date or a relationship easier than ever. However, not all apps are equal. Apps like Tinder do not let users speak or video chat, and users must decide whether to give out their personal information or meet in person to get to know them better.
It is easy for anyone to create an online dating profile, and sadly, is relatively common. People can easily download pictures and stock images online and create a fictitious online dating profile.
In fact, in a 2016 study, Sift Science found that 10% of newly created profiles on dating sites were fake.
So, how can you spot a fake dating profile?
Typically, fake profiles provide few photos, and in many cases only have one photo. Fake profiles also tend to leave About Me sections and other details blank. Users who immediately ask for your photos, or who are very forward and extremely flirtatious, also can be a sign that the profile is fake. One of the most common occupations used on fake dating profiles is self-employment. A few keywords that are typically found on fake profiles include royalty, widowed, and Nigeria. One of the most common dating app scams is individuals pretending to be a widow or widower.
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Profiles that quickly ask for personal information like your location or phone number can also be a red flag. If you do develop a connection with a user on a dating app, if they refuse to speak with you over the phone, video chat, or meet in person, it is likely that the profile is fake.
Profiles that fail to link social media profiles are more likely to be fake accounts. If the profile is nonsensical and hard to understand, it can also be a sign that the account is fake. Also, profiles of celebrities, famous athletes, or well-known public figures are also likely fake. Most famous people do not use dating apps.
Check to see if the photos on the profile look like stock images. Some tell-tale signs of stock images include a headshot with white and neutral backgrounds. If you think the photo looks like a stock image, you can download the image and run a reverse image search through Google or TinEye. Generic messages such as “Hello, my name is…” can also be a sign that the account or profile is fake. When messaging, see if their statements are consistent with prior messages and their profile information.
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Also, if another user is asking you for money it can be a sign that they are trying to scam you. Another thing to look out for is if a user wants to start chatting on another app immediately but doesn’t want to speak or video chat. If a user does video chat but you can’t see them, it can also be a sign that they are hiding their identity.
You can protect yourself by using dating apps that feature video chats and allow users to voice call. This helps you confirm the other person’s identity quickly and safely without giving out your contact information. Apps that have video chat functions are also less likely to have fake accounts and profiles because users can easily validate each other’s identity.
There are new free video dating apps available in the USA that help users ensure that the person they are talking to is who they say they are. Using mobile video dating apps allows you to see the person without meeting in person, which not only provides more safety but helps build better connections. Zepeel is a newly launched video dating app that allows users to create video profiles and video chat with other members for free and is a great way to avoid potential fake dating profiles.
Author Bio: Tiffany Oliver graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a B.A. in Political Science and History. She completed a term of service with AmeriCorps assisting with Goodwill of South Western Pennsylvania’s Reintegration Department and officiated soccer matches for over ten years. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and enjoys collecting vinyl records, concerts, and museums.
