How Do I Spot Fake or Dangerous Dating Profiles?

As online dating has grown, so have the risks of encountering deceptive or unsafe profiles. Identifying these profiles early is essential for safety and well-being.

Research shows that deceptive profiles often contain inconsistencies and lack specific details. Toma and Hancock (2012) found that while some self-enhancement is common, overtly deceptive profiles are more likely to feature vague information and fewer verifiable facts.

Scammers often use tactics such as avoiding video calls, professing strong emotions quickly, or requesting financial assistance (Williams, 2017). Such behaviors align with patterns of online grooming documented in cybercrime studies.

Warning signs of fake profiles include:

• Limited or generic, stock-like photos.

• Avoidance of synchronous communication such as video chat.

• Images or video that could be AI-generated.

• Rapid declarations of love.

• Requests for money.

Staying safe online requires vigilance and skepticism toward profiles that seem “too good to be true.”

👉 For tools to navigate online dating safely, see my course Finding Love Again.

References

• Toma, C., and Hancock, J. (2012) What lies beneath: The linguistic traces of deception in online dating profiles. Journal of Communication, 62(1), 78–97.

• Williams, M. L. (2017). Guardianship in cybercrime: Examining the role of police in preventing cybercrime victimization. Policing and Society, 27(7), 777–794.