Online dating has opened up endless opportunities to meet people across the world. But with its growing popularity comes a darker side scams and deception. Scammers use emotional manipulation, fake profiles, and clever tactics to take advantage of people looking for love. The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating Safety & Fraud Prevention In this guide, we’ll uncover the 10 most common dating scams, explain how they work, and show you the dating scam warning signs you need to watch out for. With this knowledge and with platforms like Trusted and True designed to eliminate fake profiles you can enjoy genuine, safe online dating experiences.
1. Romance Scam – The Most Common Dating Scam Online
Among all common dating scams, the romance scam is the most widespread. The scammer pretends to fall in love quickly, building emotional trust before asking for money or personal favors.
They might claim to be working overseas, in the military, or traveling for business making it easy to avoid in-person meetings. Once trust is gained, they request financial help for emergencies, tickets, or investments.
Dating scam warning signs:
- They express deep feelings quickly.
- Avoid video calls or meeting in person.
- Ask for money after emotional connection is established.
Always remember: genuine love never requires financial support from a stranger.
2. Catfishing – Identity Theft in Online Dating Scams
Catfishing is a deceptive tactic where scammers use fake photos or stolen identities to lure victims. These online dating scams often involve hours of messaging and fake social media profiles to appear real.
Catfishers aim to steal personal information, money, or simply play emotional games.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Their photos look too professional or inconsistent.
- Their stories don’t add up.
- They avoid video chats or send pre-recorded clips.
On Trusted and True, every profile is verified, ensuring you connect only with real people not digital impostors.
3. Investment or “Pig Butchering” Scam – Financial Trap
One of the newest and most damaging online dating scams is the “pig butchering” scam. The scammer builds a romantic relationship, then introduces an “amazing investment opportunity” often in cryptocurrency or foreign markets.
Once you invest, they disappear, taking your money with them.
Dating scam warning signs:
- They claim to have secret financial knowledge.
- They push you to invest quickly.
- They discourage you from consulting anyone else.
No legitimate partner will pressure you into investing money.
4. Military Dating Scam – Emotional Manipulation
A classic common dating scam involves scammers pretending to be soldiers stationed abroad. They use stolen military photos and stories of hardship to gain sympathy.
Their excuse for not meeting? “I’m deployed overseas.” Eventually, they ask for help with travel, medical bills, or packages.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Their stories are vague or overly dramatic.
- They use generic military pictures.
- They request financial assistance through wire transfer or gift cards.
Always verify a person’s identity independently or rely on verified platforms like Trusted and True for safety.
5. Fake Dating App Profiles – Bots & Impersonators
Fake profiles are at the root of many online dating scams. Bots can send automated messages, flirt, and even redirect users to malicious links or phishing sites.
Sometimes, impersonators use stolen images of real people to deceive users and extract money or information.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Repetitive, generic messages.
- Links to external websites.
- Rapid interest in your personal details.
Platforms like Trusted and True use strict verification to eliminate these fake accounts entirely.
6. Blackmail or “Sextortion” Scam – Exploiting Trust
This dangerous online dating scam occurs when a scammer gains intimate photos or videos and threatens to share them unless you pay.
The victim is often manipulated into sending private content under emotional pressure.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Requests for intimate photos early on.
- Refusal to video chat live.
- Threats or emotional manipulation when you hesitate.
Never share personal or explicit content with someone you’ve never met in person no matter how much they seem to care.
7. Inheritance or Emergency Scams – Sudden Financial Requests
Some common dating scams begin with emotional bonding before introducing a financial emergency. The scammer claims to have a sick relative, lost wallet, or inheritance issue and just needs “a small loan.”
Once payment is made, they vanish or create new excuses.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Emotional pleas for financial help.
- Stories about inheritance delays or family illness.
- Refusal to meet until “the situation is resolved.”
If someone’s affection depends on your money it’s not love, it’s a scam.
8. Travel & Visa Scams – Promises of a Visit
This scam preys on those excited to meet their online partner in person. The scammer claims they want to visit you but needs help paying for travel, visa fees, or paperwork.
You pay but they never arrive.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Talk of visiting early in the relationship.
- Requests for money tied to travel or visas.
- Fake receipts or travel documents.
Legitimate relationships don’t start with financial dependency.
9. Tech Support or Phishing Dating Scams
In these online dating scams, fraudsters pose as dating site support or send “account verification” messages. Clicking their links can lead to identity theft or malware installation.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Emails or messages asking for passwords or personal data.
- Links redirecting to suspicious websites.
- Urgent language like “verify now” or “account blocked.”
Legitimate dating platforms, like Trusted and True, never ask for personal information via external links.
10. Charity or Tragedy Scams – Exploiting Compassion
These common dating scams play on empathy. The scammer shares a tragic story a sick relative, natural disaster, or charity cause and asks for donations or emotional support.
The funds never go to charity; they go straight to the scammer.
Dating scam warning signs:
- Emotional sob stories early in conversation.
- Requests for donations or “help.”
- Untraceable payment methods.
Always verify the legitimacy of a cause before donating especially to someone you met online.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Dating Scams
Recognizing dating scam warning signs is the first step, but prevention is even better. Here’s how to safeguard your online dating experience:
- Use verified dating platforms like Trusted and True that screen profiles for authenticity.
- Keep conversations on the app until you’re certain of the person’s identity.
- Never share personal or financial details.
- Trust your instincts if something feels off, it probably is.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
With the right awareness and the right platform, you can enjoy genuine connections safely.
Trusted and True: Building a Safer Future for Online Dating
At Trusted and True, user safety comes first. Every profile undergoes a strict verification process to ensure real people not bots, scammers, or impersonators are part of the community.
By eliminating fake profiles and fraudulent activity, Trusted and True provides a transparent, secure space for meaningful connections.
Stay protected, stay informed, and experience what true authenticity feels like. Join our newsletter today and be the first to receive updates, safety tips, and platform innovations designed to make online dating safer than ever.
