Harley Maranan / Android Authority
If you’re new to dating apps, it can be hard to put yourself out there. It’s even more complicated if you don’t know enough and think you could get taken advantage of. Tinder has implemented more features to combat fake profiles and bots, and you can now report profiles. However, the bottom line is that there will always be bots and fake profiles to scam unsuspecting users. It’s up to you to identify red flags; if you aren’t familiar with the platform, you might not know what to look for. So, is Tinder safe?
QUICK ANSWER
Tinder is as safe as the other dating apps available. With verification, there's a better chance the other person is real, too. You should be fine if you are guarded and protect all critical personal information from your profile and photos.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
- How safe is Tinder?
- Tips on staying safe on Tinder
- How to spot fake profiles on Tinder
How safe is Tinder?
When it comes to dating apps, your safety depends on how familiar you are with the platform. If you use it a lot, you’ll know when a profile seems predatory or fake; red flags are easier to see. However, if you’re brand new to it, you will undoubtedly be more susceptible to potential threats.
Safety is always a concern, so if you aren’t comfortable putting yourself out there on a platform like Tinder, don’t do it. Most use Tinder casually, so you have to be aware of the other person’s point of view in conjunction with your own. You also need to be aware of fake profiles that are out there to get information from you.
Tinder is as safe as other dating apps, which isn’t saying much. With the emergence of verification, there is some added reassurance that people with blue checks are who they say they are. However, there are obvious ways to fake that process, and falsified details dominate the platform. Not many people want to share truths about themselves with complete strangers.
The bottom line is that you must be vigilant when using Tinder. Don’t provide any personal information, research fake profiles, only meet up if you’re on the same page, and always be careful when you decide to meet your match.
Tips on how to stay safe while using Tinder
Staying safe on Tinder hinges upon many things, but mostly what you share. Your openness will determine how vulnerable you make yourself out to be. It can be tempting to gush out and tell people about yourself, but the person on the other side might not be who they seem to be. You must be very careful.
Don’t hand out personal information
Never hand out personal information over Tinder. This includes phone numbers, contact information, financial information, and anything that could be a detriment to your privacy.
If you engage in casual conversations about mutual interests and think there’s something there, then you might arrange a meet-up. The person on the other side must earn your trust before you go ahead and share personal information.
Avoid posting pictures that show sensitive information
Never post images that contain sensitive information. Address-related things like your home location or favorite gym can be a safety hazard, especially with obsessive types. Regarding photos, the more general they are, the better.
Pick a safe place to meet with your match
Meet somewhere neutral and public. Never meet somewhere private like your home or their home.
Have a backup plan
If you’re meeting someone from Tinder, never let yourself be the only one that knows about it. You’re physically putting yourself in a vulnerable place, so tell friends or family what you’re up to and where you’re going. This way, if anything goes south, someone will be able to help.
Tips on spotting fake profiles on Tinder
This is one of the most complex topics to cover, simply because there are so many fake profiles and bots on dating apps. As mentioned earlier, verification has been helping with that — but the majority of Tinder profiles aren’t verified. Furthermore, past tips won’t be as relevant today because Tinder supposedly has its own way of identifying fake accounts behind the scenes.
You need to connect the dots in your head. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Use common sense — if things on their profile don’t match up, don’t swipe right.
Here are a few things you can try to identify a fake user.
Ask questions
To combat a potential bot, ask your match a question that is reasonable to answer. Ask them about their favorite scene from a movie or a game that means something to them. The idea is that, while bots are very intelligent today, there are certain specifics that you can tell are or aren’t faked. Ask follow-up questions as well to make sure.
If the conversation doesn’t flow and replies don’t make sense, the person you matched with doesn’t have a brain, they don’t speak your language, or they’re a bot — or all three.
They ask you for personal information
This one’s a given. If they say they hate using the app and to text them, don’t give away your phone number or personal social media. There is no connection, and you would be surrendering personal details to another party you know nothing about.
Their About Me section
Users are encouraged to have a bio. If it’s empty or too short and general, there’s a chance that the user is fake. This is subjective and doesn’t apply to all profiles; however, users typically add their bio, occupation, interests, and other foundational information if they’re serious about Tinder.
It used to be that if a Tinder user hid their distance and age, that’d be considered a red flag. It still sort of is, but those options have been relegated to the Tinder subscription zone. Those cost money, so the idea would be that a bot or fake profile wouldn’t go so far as to purchase a subscription to hide age and distance.
They start sending links
A lot of users these days are on Tinder to promote scams, products, or services — like an Onlyfans. There are also predatory profiles that will send malicious links to unsuspecting matches. You should unlink with them if they start sending random links.
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