How to Identify a Scammer on Dating Sites

1. Too Good to Be True? It Probably Is

You’ve matched with someone who looks like they just stepped off the cover of a magazine. They’ve got abs for days, a jawline that could cut glass, and they’re weirdly obsessed with you right from the start. Sounds amazing, right? Hold up. If it feels like you’ve won the dating lottery, take a closer look.

Scammers often use stolen photos of models, celebrities, or just really attractive strangers to lure people in. Do a quick reverse image search (seriously, it’s a lifesaver). If their photo shows up on stock image sites or multiple profiles, you’ve got yourself a scammer.

2. They Fall for You… Fast

It’s been two days of chatting, and they’re already calling you the love of their life? 🚩 Red flag! Scammers love to rush into “serious” relationships. They’ll shower you with compliments, declare undying love, and act like you’re their soulmate. Why? Because they want to gain your trust ASAP.

Legit relationships take time to build, so if someone’s speeding through the emotional milestones like it’s a race, pause and think. Real connections grow naturally; scammers force it.

3. They’re Always Traveling or “Working Abroad”

This one’s a classic. You’re talking to someone who seems perfect, but—oops—they can’t meet up because they’re working on an oil rig, stationed in a remote country, or constantly traveling for “business.”

Scammers love this excuse because it keeps them at a safe digital distance. They’ll claim they can’t video chat because of bad internet or make excuses about why they can’t meet in person. If someone keeps dodging the idea of meeting face-to-face, it’s time to move on.

4. The Sob Story of the Century

Picture this: you’ve been chatting with someone amazing, and suddenly, tragedy strikes. Maybe their mom needs emergency surgery, or their business partner stole all their money, and now they’re stranded in a foreign country. Conveniently, they need your help (and your cash).

This is a textbook scam move. They prey on your kindness and empathy to squeeze money out of you. Don’t fall for it. If someone you’ve never met is asking for financial help, it’s time to cut the cord.

5. They Ask for Money (Duh)

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people get sucked into this trap. Whether it’s a small loan or a wire transfer, scammers will find creative ways to ask for cash. Some might even say they’ll “pay you back” once they’re out of a tough spot. Spoiler alert: they won’t.

Never, ever send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story is. Even if you’re looking for something specific, like a millionaire dating site, scammers can still slip through the cracks and play the part of a wealthy suitor. Stay sharp.

6. Sketchy Social Media or No Online Presence

Ever notice how scammers don’t seem to exist outside the dating app? Their social media accounts might be empty, private, or filled with random, generic posts. Sometimes, they’ll even refuse to share their socials, claiming they “don’t use social media much.”

In today’s world, most people have some kind of online presence. If their profile is a ghost town, it’s worth questioning why. A quick look at their socials can reveal a lot—are they tagged in photos? Do their posts seem legit? If not, don’t waste your time.

7. Weird Language or Scripted Replies

If your conversations feel like they’re coming from a chatbot, they probably are. Scammers often use copy-pasted messages or broken English that doesn’t match their supposed background. If you ask specific questions and get vague or irrelevant answers, that’s a major red flag.

For example, let’s say you’re on a millionaire dating site, and you ask what they do for a living. If their reply is something generic like, “I am a businessman,” without further details, you might be dealing with a scammer.

8. They Push You Off the Dating App

Scammers often try to move the conversation to WhatsApp, email, or another platform as quickly as possible. Why? Because dating apps are pretty good at detecting and banning scam accounts. Once they’ve got you on another platform, they’re free to pull their tricks without getting caught.

If someone’s pushing hard to move the chat elsewhere, take it as a sign to back away.

9. They Avoid Video Chats

It’s 2024—video calls are a thing. If you’ve been talking to someone for weeks and they always have an excuse not to jump on a quick FaceTime or Zoom, something’s fishy.

A genuine person won’t mind proving they’re real, especially if you’ve been chatting for a while. Scammers, on the other hand, will avoid live video at all costs because they don’t want to blow their cover.

10. Gut Feeling? Trust It

Sometimes, you just know. If something feels off—whether it’s their story, their behavior, or their vibe—listen to your gut. It’s better to be cautious and walk away than to risk getting scammed.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scammer

If you think you’ve matched with a scammer, here’s what you should do:

• Report Them: Most dating apps have a “Report” feature. Use it. This helps protect other users too.
• Block Them: Don’t engage further. Once you’ve identified a scammer, cut off all communication.
• Protect Your Info: Don’t share personal details like your address, bank info, or work location. Stay safe!

Keep It Fun, But Stay Safe

Online dating is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Whether you’re using a regular dating app or exploring niche platforms like millionaire dating, staying alert and knowing the signs of a scammer can save you from a lot of drama. Remember, your safety and peace of mind come first.

So, go out there, meet amazing people, and maybe even find “the one.” Just make sure they’re the real deal! ❤️