Scams on Tinder: Protecting Yourself from Love Scams and Restaurant Frauds

Online dating has become a common way for people to find potential romantic partners. However, it also comes with its fair share of scams and fraudulent activities. This article will discuss common love scams on Tinder and the recent trend of restaurant scams, providing tips to protect yourself from these scams.

Identifying Love Scams on Tinder

Love scams: Love scams are fraudulent relationships where scammers establish an intimate relationship with their victims to gain their trust and later exploit them financially or personally.

Beware of Platform Exits: Be cautious of anyone who attempts to take you off the Tinder platform, as this can be a sign of a scammer who wants to isolate you from their victims' community.

The Tinder Team: The Tinder team cannot protect you as they rely on users to report suspicious activity and maintain the safety of the platform.

Money Requests: Report anyone who asks for payment, as they may be attempting to defraud you.

Paying Fees: Be cautious about paying any fees when you meet people in person. Remember, genuine matches do not require upfront payments.

Precautionary Steps Against Restaurant Scams

Recent trends in dating app fraud involve individuals posing as genuine matches who then lure their dates to specific restaurants or cafes where they collaborate with the restaurant owners to charge exorbitant bills.

Specific Examples

A recent incident in Delhi saw an IAS aspirant charged INR 120,000 for a restaurant bill. Although scammers were eventually arrested, such stories are not uncommon. Users can find numerous similar accounts online.

Precautionary Measures

Be Cautious of Invitations: If your match insists on meeting at a specific restaurant, especially one you’ve never heard of, be wary. They may call you to a public place but take you to a specific restaurant. Always opt for reputable cafes.

Do Your Research: Before agreeing to meet at a restaurant, search online for reviews or any signs of suspicious activity or complaints.

Suggest Alternatives: Propose meeting at a well-known and reputable place. If they are genuine, they will be open to suggestions.

Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious if the date is overly eager to reach the restaurant or orders excessively without consulting you.

Scrutinize the Bill: When the bill arrives, check for any discrepancies or unusually high charges. Ask the staff for clarification if needed. If the situation feels unsafe, leave immediately and report to the police.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away from the situation.

While most people on dating apps are genuine, it only takes one scam to ruin your day and your finances. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and trust your instincts!