DATING APP SCAMS
Dating apps have revolutionized the way people meet, creating opportunities for genuine connection across the globe. But with that convenience comes a darker reality: scammers exploiting romance to steal money, identities, and trust. Known as dating app scams or romance fraud, these schemes have grown in complexity—and in cost.
From emotional manipulation to cryptocurrency investment schemes, scammers are adapting faster than ever. Here’s what you need to know to recognize, avoid, and report dating app scams.
The Scope of the Problem
According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):
⚠️ Romance scams cost victims over $1.3 billion in 2023 in the U.S. alone.
⚠️ The average loss per victim was $10,000 to $300,000.
⚠️ Many cases originate through popular dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Grindr.
Globally, the trend is the same - romance fraud has become one of the fastest-growing types of online scams, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when more people turned to digital platforms for companionship.
Common Types of Dating App Scams
âś… Romance Scams
The classic approach: a scammer builds an emotional connection over weeks or months and then begins asking for money. Common excuses include medical emergencies, business troubles, travel costs to meet, family crises..
Victims may send money repeatedly, believing they're helping someone they care about.
âś… Crypto Investment Scams ("Pig Butchering")
A newer trend where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals and quickly move the conversation to investing:
⚠️ “I’ve made a lot from trading crypto. Let me show you how.”
⚠️ Victims are lured to fake platforms to “invest” and initially see fake profits.
⚠️ Eventually, the platform locks them out or demands fees to withdraw.
These scams are highly sophisticated and often run by organized criminal groups, particularly in Southeast Asia.
âś… Blackmail & Sextortion
The scammer encourages the victim to share intimate photos or videos and then demands money not to release them. This is often done quickly after matching or moving to a messaging app.
âś… Catfishing with Stolen Identities
Scammers use photos and information from real people (often military officers, doctors, or models) to build convincing fake profiles. Victims believe they're talking to a real person and may be manipulated for months.
âś… Fake App or Link Scams
A scammer may send a link to a "dating" app or site that actually steals your personal data or installs malware on your device.
Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 They fall in love quickly, often within days.
🚩 They avoid video chats or in-person meetings.
🚩 They always have a reason they can’t meet (military deployment, working abroad).
🚩 They ask for money, crypto, or gift cards.
🚩 They try to move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram, or another app quickly.
🚩 Their story seems too perfect or rehearsed.
🚩 They pressure you to invest in crypto or claim they can teach you to trade.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
âś… Reverse image search their profile pictures (via Google or TinEye) to check for stolen images.
✅ Avoid sharing personal or explicit content with someone you haven’t met.
✅ Stay on the dating platform as long as possible—don’t rush to messaging apps.
âś… Be skeptical of fast-moving relationships and too-good-to-be-true stories.
âś… Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords on your accounts.
âś… Report suspicious profiles to the dating app immediately.
Real-World Case
In 2024, an Illinois woman lost over $1mln after being manipulated by a scammer posing as a U.S. Army surgeon. He claimed he was deployed overseas, fell in love, and convinced her to send funds for a “customs clearance” and travel. The victim didn't discover the fraud until months later, when her bank flagged unusual transactions.
How to Report a Dating Scam
If you’ve been scammed, don’t stay silent. Report it to:
đź“Ś FTC
đź“Ś Local police
đź“Ś The dating app where the scam started
đź“Ś Action Fraud UK (for UK residents)
Final Thoughts
Dating apps can lead to real love - but they also open the door to sophisticated criminals. Awareness is the first defense. Whether you’re new to online dating or a seasoned user, staying cautious, informed, and skeptical of requests for money can protect your wallet and your heart.
IF YOU WERE SCAMMED AND WAT TO RECOVER YOUR LOST FUNDS, GET A FREE CONSULTATION.