Recently in Bhopal, a young man fell victim to an online dating scam after matching with someone on Tinder. He was invited to a café and bar, where the woman allegedly ordered expensive food and drinks without his permission. Unable to pay the bill of around ₹32,888, his motorcycle was reportedly seized by the bar staff. The incident is under police investigation, showing how scammers exploit trust built through dating apps and manipulate victims into financial loss, even in seemingly casual social settings From February 7, Valentine’s Week begins—a season of love, connection, and hope. Many people turn to dating apps during this time, driven by loneliness and the desire to find a meaningful partner. But this surge in online romance also brings risks, as romance scams and catfishing cases rise, with fraudsters targeting those searching for love. Scammers often create fake profiles, use manipulated photos or videos, and build trust to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information, so it is very important for people to know how to spot warning signs, verify online identities, and protect themselves from falling prey to these frauds while navigating the digital dating world. Let’s know how people fall into these traps— What is a catfish scam? People usually fall into online dating scams due to catfishing. A catfish scam involves a person making a fake identity to deceive a person by a romantic relationship or financial scam. The person behind the catfish person often uses fake photos and even fakes their whole personality just to manipulate the person they are talking to. Signs you are being catfished Online dating can be fun, but it also has its risks. Not everyone on dating apps or social media is who they say they are. Scammers often use fake profiles to gain trust and sometimes even steal money or personal information. Spotting the warning signs early can help you stay safe and avoid being tricked. Avoids Video Calls or Meetings
They often make excuses for why they can’t appear on video or meet in person. This is usually done to hide their real identity. Profile Photos Look Too Perfect
Scammers use stolen or heavily edited images that appear like stock photos or model pictures. Reverse image searches often reveal duplicates. Pushes to Move Chats Off the App Quickly
They may ask to shift to private messaging apps early on. This helps them avoid being reported or tracked. Shares Dramatic Life Stories
They create emotional stories to gain sympathy and build trust faster. This makes victims more likely to help them later. Asks for Money or Personal Information
Any request for cash, gifts, bank details, or IDs is a major red flag. Genuine connections will not pressure you for these. How to avoid being catfished? Verify Profiles Early
Check their photos, social media presence, and basic details. A genuine person will usually have a consistent online footprint. Don’t Rush Emotional Connections
Take time to know the person before getting attached. Scammers rely on fast emotional bonding. Insist on Video Calls
A real person should be willing to appear on video. Repeated excuses are a warning sign. Keep Chats on the App
Dating apps have safety features and reporting tools. Staying on the platform offers better protection. Never Share Personal or Financial Details
Do not give out bank information, passwords, OTPs, or copies of ID. Protect your privacy at all times. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, step back and reassess. It’s okay to stop communication. Common tactics used by scammers Fake Profiles with Stolen Pictures
Scammers create fake dating profiles using someone else’s photos to attract lonely hearts looking for love around Valentine’s Day.
Quick Declarations of Love
They profess love or affection almost immediately to make victims emotionally vulnerable during this season of romance.
Requests for Money, Gifts, or Cryptocurrency
Once trust is gained, scammers ask for money, gifts, or cryptocurrency, often under the pretense of emergencies or Valentine’s Day surprises.
Manipulated Video Calls or AI Deepfakes
Some use fake video calls or AI-generated content to seem genuine, making it difficult to spot the fraud while people seek love online. AI and Deepfake Calls: A New Tool for Romance Scammers Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to make their fake identities look more real. With the help of AI-generated faces, voices, and videos, fraudsters can appear on video calls as someone who looks real, even though the person does not actually exist. These deepfake calls are designed to build trust quickly and reduce suspicion. Victims may feel reassured after seeing a “face” on screen, making them more likely to believe emotional stories or financial requests. Experts warn that even video calls should not be treated as foolproof proof of authenticity, and users must continue to verify identities through multiple checks before trusting anyone online. Where to Report Dating App Scams in India Victims of online dating fraud or catfishing can report the incident on the Government of India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). They can also call the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline for immediate help. It is advised to keep screenshots, chat records, and payment details as evidence while filing the complaint.
