Online dating can be a fantastic way to meet new people, but unfortunately, scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting users. While dating apps like HUD App work hard to remove fraudulent accounts, it’s important to stay informed and protect yourself from common scams. Here are five dating app scams you should watch out for - and how to avoid them.
Sextortion is one of the most alarming scams happening on dating apps. Scammers build trust by engaging in conversation and eventually persuade their targets to send explicit photos. Once they receive the images, they threaten to share them with the victim’s family, friends, or employer unless a ransom is paid. In many cases, they go ahead and share the photos even after the money is paid, despite their promises.
How to avoid it: Never send intimate photos to someone you’ve just met online. Be cautious if someone quickly moves the conversation off the app, especially to iMessage or another direct messaging platform. If you receive a blackmail threat, report the scammer immediately and avoid engaging further. But don't delete your chat or block them until you've reported them, so that our Customer Service team can check out the messages - once you delete or block, we can't access them any more.
Another common scam involves fraudsters trying to get users to move their conversation from our secure chat on HUD App over to WhatsApp. These scammers typically use glamorous profile pictures, often featuring highly attractive individuals (especially women), to lure their victims in. Once on WhatsApp, they may attempt to scam money or steal personal information from you.
How to avoid it: Be wary of anyone who insists on switching to WhatsApp too quickly. Scammers often use scripted messages with odd wording, like, "I seldom use this software; message me on WhatsApp." If someone seems too eager to move the conversation, it's best to cut ties.
This scam often targets men, with scammers posing as women who need money for transportation. The fraudster will claim they need help paying for a taxi, Uber, or other reasonably cheap expenses before meeting up. In reality, they have no intention of showing up; they just pocket the money and disappear. While it doesn't seem like a lot of money and often users feel embarrassed about reporting it, this is what these scammers depend on - that you'll just let them go, which allows them to go on and scam others. And a little here and there adds up.
How to avoid it: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If someone asks for financial help before meeting, it’s a major red flag. Legitimate users won’t ask for money from strangers.
This one is disturbing. Scammers pose as an adult and engage with a victim, often sending explicit messages or photos. Shortly after, another scammer - posing as a concerned parent or even law enforcement - will claim that the victim was interacting with a minor and demand money to prevent legal trouble.
How to avoid it: Be cautious when someone sends unsolicited explicit photos. If anything feels suspicious, stop communicating immediately. Scammers rely on fear to pressure victims, so staying calm and refusing to pay is key.
While not always a scam in the traditional sense, some users join dating apps solely to promote their paid content, such as OnlyFans pages. These accounts will match with people, start friendly conversations, and then direct them to an external site, where they try to sell content rather than genuinely connect.
How to avoid it: If someone seems more interested in getting you to subscribe to their content than actually getting to know you, it’s likely a business strategy rather than a genuine connection. Avoid engaging with profiles that promote external links in their bios or quickly push paid services.
Again, if you suspect a scammer, stop engaging and report them ASAP. Don't block or delete until Customer Service has had a chance to review the messages, because we can get lots of info from looking at their profile, but we can't help if you've entirely disconnected from them.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
Keep conversations on the app, where it's secure and you have ready access to Customer Service: Scammers often try to move discussions to unmonitored platforms.
Reverse image search profile photos: If a profile picture looks too good to be true, a quick Google reverse image search can reveal if it’s stolen.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a scammer, report them to the dating app so we can take action.
Never send money or personal information: No legitimate user should be asking for money, passwords, or private details.
Staying aware of these scams will help you navigate the digital dating world safely, and increase the likelihood of connecting with real people. Keep your guard up, trust your gut, and most importantly - stay safe!
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