Identify and Understand Fake tinder profile catfish

Scammers aren't the only time wasters you'll find on an online dating site. Before you spend too much time or energy on someone, you should confirm they're a real person you might want to date, and not a fake account.

They don't have social media accounts

While it's true that not everyone is on social media, it's a little odd if someone has a dating app but not an Instagram account, Twitter account, or any other online activity. While it's not a huge red flag, it should be considered alongside the other factors you're keeping an eye on.

Their bio screams fake profile

We get it, writing a dating profile can be hard. But there's a difference between being a little awkward, and looking like a machine spit out a handful of sentences that don't make sense. While it's possible English just isn't their first language, this is another factor that should be considered along with the rest.

Tinder bios should contain basic information about a person and what they're looking for on the app. The best Tinder bios do it in a way that makes you laugh or piques your interest. Bots will have bios that seem odd or out of place in a world of dating apps.

They only have one photo

If you've read our advice, you know how important photos are as part of dating profiles. So, at a minimum having only one photo is lazy. But it can also be a sign that someone grabbed an image off the internet and slapped it onto a dating profile.

Having multiple photos isn't proof that they're a real person, or that they're not a scammer, but at the very least they've put more effort into it!

Their profile is missing basic information

As soon as you create a Tinder account, it grabs details like your age, location, and even job — either through the social network you signed up with, or by asking you to include the information.

If these details are missing, that can be a sign that they've used some kind of third-party system to create the account, or that they've got something to hide. Either way, you should proceed with caution.

Their messages come too quickly

At first, it can be exciting when it feels like someone is eager to talk to you, but eventually it's too good to be true.

If each of your messages is answered right after you send it, there's a chance it's a computer program at the other end of the line, rather than an actual human controlling the Tinder profile.

They want to connect off Tinder right away

This one is tricky, because there are a lot of legitimate reasons to get someone's contact info quickly. But unfortunately, it's not always a good idea to give out your number before you know who you're dealing with. Even worse is if they want to connect on a chat app or social network that you've never heard of — especially if it requires you to download new software.

They avoid proof of life

Sure, not everyone wants to go on a date right away. But it can be a good idea to try an audio or video call to make sure you know who you're dealing with. Even better, most apps have features for that built in, so you don't need to exchange numbers to make a call.

If they're unwilling to meet, and unwilling to let you hear their voice or see their face, you're in trouble.

There are some protocols you should follow no matter who you're talking to online. Whether there's an actual human on the other side of the screen, or you've ended up with a bot, follow these basic steps for online safety.

Red flag #1, They ask a lot of personal questions.

You should never share too many personal details before you meet someone in real life.

Red flag #2, They ask you to send money.

Whether they're real or fake, there's no good reason to ask for cash. Some people are just using these apps for financial gain, and unless that's your kink, you should steer clear.

Red flag #3, They keep sending weird links.

Whether it's a link scam or someone trying to get traffic to their cam page, there's really no good reason for someone to send you a link on a dating app. Just in case it's a dangerous link, don't click on anything that's sent to you.