Online dating applications like MeetYou have seen a massive rise in popularity. They’re a great way for singles to connect with others who are looking for the same thing. What happens if you don’t meet the other person face-to-face right away?
Fake accounts pose a severe hazard, even if others say that they encourage a relationship based on emotional connections. You may save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run by spotting a fake profile early on. So, what should you look out for in terms of warning signs? And what exactly motivates people to build fraudulent dating profiles in the first place?
What Motivates People to Create Fake Online Dating Accounts?
For a variety of reasons, people create false dating profiles. It’s not uncommon for this to be due to their own fears and insecurities.
When it comes to using online dating services, most people experience some level of self-consciousness. Many people use phoney profiles to “surf through” their alternatives before making a long-term commitment to a site. The user’s identity isn’t revealed by uploading photographs of puppies or flowers, and it’s doubtful that they’ll be matched with too many other users, but it does give them a chance to test out the service.
Sometimes, those behind fake accounts have nefarious motives for the persons they target. Phony bot profiles on Tinder and fake Facebook accounts aren’t uncommon, and they’re used to prey on those who appear to be most susceptible.
Even if a profile claims to be a real person, the “person” behind it may not be. Bots abound on dating sites, looking for ways to steal your personal information or lure you into installing harmful software on your computer. (Source)
If nothing else, these imposters squander your time and energy. In the wrong hands, false profiles can have a negative impact on your life. To avoid being a victim of an online scam or a dangerous bot, there are some simple ways to identify phoney profiles.
Signs A Profile Is Fake
You can’t always tell a false profile from a real one, but there are several telltale signs.
You should think about these factors before meeting up with someone you met through a dating app.
Only One Photo Is Available
The preparation of many bogus profiles is shoddy. They have no more than a few images and a few details on their profile. Fake users may choose not to include images of humans at all and instead use images of hobbies or animals.
Despite the fact that some people just respect their privacy on these applications, others deliberately limit information to a minimal because their profiles are fake.
For your own profile photo, keep this advice in mind as you go about searching for the perfect image.
There’s Something Extraordinary About Their Pics
Models do use dating profiles, but if the photos on the profiles look like they were taken from a photoshoot, that raises suspicions. Do your research to make sure your potential date isn’t using stock photos. Using a reverse search can tell you if the image is available elsewhere.
They Have Multiple Profiles
In order to lure their victims, scammers often use stock pictures or model headshots. To construct several accounts using the same photo or to build their false profiles on the same model is not commonplace for scammers.
While reusing images across different platforms is typical, it raises red flags when you see the same image appear many times on the same platform. When the profiles all have different names, cities, or ages, this is especially true.
They act like a bot or send you links to other websites
When you’re trying to get to know someone, it’s normal to exchange hilarious memes or intriguing articles over email. But if they ask you to sign up for something or share a link you don’t recognise, don’t click on it.
Phishing schemes and the distribution of harmful malware have both used these URLs in the past.
They are connected to an Unusually Large Number of People.
In contrast to dating profiles, social media sites reveal some information about a user’s connections. Having thousands (or scarcely any) of friends and followers on Instagram or Facebook indicates the account is new or is being used for spamming purposes.
Their exchanges are illogical
Conversations with your friends and colleagues should be able to take place in a “regular” manner. Messages that are plagued with poor grammar or incoherent dialogues are most likely not from the source they claim to represent.
When scamming efforts emanate from outsourced labour in foreign nations, translation difficulties may be to blame. Sometimes, this incoherence stems from bot code that isn’t up to snuff.
They are unable to communicate via video chat.
You can tell if you’re talking to a real person by getting your potential date to use their camera to talk to you. To get to know someone better, video chats are an excellent substitute for in-person meetings.
Cameras built into most laptops and computers allow users to participate in video chats. If you’ve been talking to someone for a long time and they still refuse to video chat, it may be because they have something to hide.
They’re a Big Deal
You should be sceptical if anything sounds too wonderful to be true. Some celebrities use social media to keep in touch with their pals, but they don’t usually engage with followers they find online..
That Megan Fox or Emma Stone didn’t write to you through dating platforms should come as no surprise, really.
What Can I Do If I Got Matched With a Catfish?
Typically, if you match with a phoney profile, there is no harm done. Those users will only be able to see the information that is publicly accessible to everyone you match with. That information they get from your messages is something to be concerned about.
But you can’t put your faith in them. Don’t click on any links or send money or presents to anyone you don’t know.
Report and block their account immediately when you discover they are phoney. MeetYou, Bumble, Tinder almost all other dating apps have an option to report suspicious profiles.
Is It Safe To Date Someone I Meet Through the Internet?
However, online dating can be a great way to meet new people. Meeting possible mates on your terms is a great benefit of online dating. You don’t have to be terrified about using internet dating. ‘
As a result, you should ensure that you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. Be wary of anyone you meet online if they show any of these warning signs.