If you’re single and hoping to find love, chances are, you’re going to have to head online at some point.
Dating apps are a disaster, but they’re sometimes your best opportunity to meet someone you might really like. However, you can’t just go in blind — not everything is what it seems, and lots of people have fake profiles (or profiles with a lot of fake information) posted specifically to scam unsuspecting romantics. While some of these profiles are easy to spot from miles away, it’s still helpful to know the red flags you should be looking out for when swiping.
1. Their photos look a bit too perfect.
If every picture looks like it’s straight out of a glossy magazine, be suspicious. Real people have bad hair days and take dodgy selfies sometimes. If they look like a model in every shot, they might actually be one — must not the person behind the profile. Do a quick reverse image search if you’re unsure.
2. They’ve got a very sketchy bio.
A real person usually puts some effort into their bio. If it’s suspiciously vague or reads like it was written by someone who’s never met a human before, that’s a red flag. Watch out for bios that could apply to literally anyone — they might be casting a wide net for a reason.
3. They’re keen to take the chat off the app right away.
If they’re pushing to move to WhatsApp or email after just a few messages, proceed with caution. While some people prefer to chat off dating apps, scammers often try to move conversations to less secure platforms quickly. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to switch.
4. Their profile info doesn’t match their messages.
Pay attention to the details. If their profile says they’re a doctor in London, but their messages mention being a lawyer in Manchester, something’s fishy. Real people tend to be consistent about basic facts like their job or where they live.
5. They’ve got a sob story ready remarkably quickly.
Source: Unsplash Be wary if they start sharing hard-luck stories early on, especially if these tales lead to hints about needing money. Real connections take time to build trust. If they’re laying it on thick with the tragedy from day one, they might be trying to manipulate your emotions.
6. Their English is all over the shop.
Source: Unsplash Now, not everyone’s a grammar whiz, but if their profile claims they’re a native English speaker and their messages are full of odd phrases or glaring errors, that’s suspicious. Real people make typos, sure, but there’s a difference between a few mistakes and completely mangled English.
7. They’re available at oddly consistent times.
Source: Unsplash If they only ever message at specific times, like 2-3pm every day, that could be a sign of a scammer working shifts. Real people have varied schedules and pop online at different times. Too much consistency might mean you’re dealing with a fake profile manager rather than a genuine person.
8. Their profile was created very recently.
Source: Unsplash Brand new profiles aren’t always fake, but it’s worth being extra cautious. Scammers often create new profiles when their old ones get rumbled. If the profile’s new and has other red flags, trust your gut and be wary.
9. They’re ridiculously good-looking and interested in you immediately.
Source: Unsplash Listen, you’re great, but if someone who looks like a supermodel is falling all over themselves to chat with you seconds after matching, be sceptical. Real attraction takes a bit of time to develop. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
10. Their interests are super generic.
Source: Unsplash If their hobbies list reads like “I like music, food, and having fun,” that’s a bit suspect. Real people usually have more specific interests. Be on the lookout for profiles that seem designed to appeal to everyone and no one in particular.
11. They dodge personal questions.
Source: Unsplash If you ask about their job, family, or hobbies, and they always manage to change the subject, that’s fishy. Real people are generally happy to chat about their lives. If they’re constantly evading personal questions, they might not have a personal life to share.
12. They’ve got no linked social media.
Source: Unsplash While not everyone links their socials to dating apps, it’s worth noting if there’s zero online presence. Most real people have some kind of digital footprint these days. If you can’t find hide nor hair of them online, approach with caution.
13. Their location changes dramatically.
Source: Unsplash If their profile says they’re 10 miles away one day and 1000 miles away the next, something’s not right. Unless they’ve mentioned travelling, sudden big location changes are suspicious. Real people don’t typically teleport across countries overnight.
14. They’re pushing for a serious relationship way too fast.
Source: Unsplash Beware of love bombers. If they’re talking about true love and soulmates after a day of chatting, slam on the brakes. Real relationships take time to develop. Anyone pushing for serious commitment super early might have motives other than romance.
15. Your gut feeling says something’s off.
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, even if you can’t put your finger on why, it’s okay to be cautious. Your subconscious might be picking up on red flags you haven’t consciously noticed yet. Don’t ignore that little voice of doubt — it might just save you from a fake profile headache.
