Bumble: Is it a safe dating app?

Bumble can be a safe online dating app if used with caution. Keep in mind that even though the company implements many security measures to protect its users from online threats, you should also do your part and follow the safety guidelines provided in this article.

Your security begins with the sign-up process. Bumble allows you to register a new account by either using your phone number or Facebook. Before, it was only possible to sign up with your Facebook account. This can pose certain risks because you share significant personal information with the dating app. And if your Facebook account gets hacked, the hacker could access the info on your Bumble account, too.

Signing up by using your phone number provides more privacy than signing up using Facebook. You can even use a separate number for your Bumble profile if you want to be extra cautious.

Bumble also has some protections in place from other users who may not have good intentions. The photo verification feature serves as an additional layer of safety, making it harder for people to create fake profiles for catfishing, spamming, or scamming. Also, community guidelines prohibit hate speech, bullying, and misogyny. Any users that violate these guidelines can get banned permanently.

Finally, Bumble has built-in chat and voice calls. It makes matching with dates through Bumble safer because you don’t have to give any personal contact information for as long as you want.

Even though Bumble is a relatively safe app for online dating, you should still be aware of possible dangers. For example, your match may be interested in scamming you or may not even be human.

So, here are some of the biggest Bumble dangers to watch for:

• Catfishing. Dating apps are known for social engineering attacks, primarily catfishing and romance scams. A person can create a fake profile with attractive photos and manipulate you into giving them money. So if your match seems a bit too sweet, doesn’t want to video chat, cancels dates at the last minute, and hints at financial problems, be extremely cautious.
• Exposure of personal information. Using dating apps carries a risk of having private information exposed, a practice known as doxxing. For example, another user might share screenshots of your profile online.
• Spam and bot profiles. Bot profiles distribute spam and links to malicious websites that can infect your device with malware. For example, you may get a message inviting you to chat on a different platform with a suspicious link.

In general, you should be careful when sharing your personal details in chats. Don’t ever share information (like links to your social profiles) that could compromise your online security.

Like any dating app, Bumble has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to user experience and online safety:

Pros:

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  A fully functional free version
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  Photo verification feature
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  Secure payment methods (credit cards and PayPal)
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  The app displays no ads
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  Removal of fake profiles and spam accounts
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  Routine app vulnerability checks
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  Strong data encryption
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  Verified by Google Play Protect

Cons:

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  If signed in via Facebook, your account may be in danger if your Facebook account is hacked
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  Potential to encounter fake profiles (catfishing, scams, spam)

If you don’t put any private info in your profile (such as your home address or photos of your house), other users won’t be able to track you on Bumble. They can only see your city and an approximate geographical distance (for example, 3 miles).

However, up until June 2021, it would have been possible for a hacker to track a user’s location by using a method called trilateration. Luckily, software engineer Robert Heaton discovered the bug, which was patched 72 hours after its discovery.

It’s important to note that the app tracks your current location to provide you with relevant matches. According to Bumble’s privacy policy, you have two location tracking choices:

1. While using the app. Bumble will only update your location while you’re actively using the application.
2. Always. Your location will be constantly updated even when you’re not using Bumble because the application will be running in the background.

If you are concerned about privacy, it might be wiser to take the first option.

There are many details you shouldn’t put on a Bumble profile if you want to stay safe, but most of them come down to private information.

• Don’t give your full name on your profile. Use your first name or even a nickname.
• Similarly, don’t put links to your social accounts (like Facebook or Instagram) that could reveal personal information about you.
• You should also keep your home address secret. Don’t reveal it until you know the person, by which time, you’ve probably moved beyond Bumble to communicate. The same goes for your workplace address.
• Make sure your profile pictures contain nothing that could expose your identity (like a driver’s license). Avoid uploading the same photo you use for your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media profile because this makes it possible for someone else to find your identity with the help of reverse image search.
• Don’t post financial information like your PayPal or Venmo (Bumble prohibits any money-related activity, and this might get you blocked, too). Also, don’t ever share financial information in personal messages because you might get scammed.

Bumble may occasionally ask you for photo verification to confirm that you’re a real person. However, these photos won’t appear on your profile.

Using Bumble BFF, a mode on Bumble that lets you find new friends, carries the same risks as using Bumble for dating. People can still use fake profiles for predatory purposes. Even though the BFF feature only allows you to match with people of the same gender as you, you can never be sure who’s hiding behind the profile.

So, the security guidelines are also the same — don’t reveal your personal information in photos, post links to your social profiles, or meet people without video chatting with them first.

It’s important to note that Bumble created a separate app called Bumble For Friends that serves the same function as the BFF mode. If you import your BFF profile to the new app, the BFF mode won’t be available anymore on the main Bumble application.

Lots of Bumble users wonder whether it’s possible to browse Bumble anonymously. Luckily, Bumble is one of those online dating apps that allow it, thanks to Incognito Mode.

What is Bumble Incognito Mode, and how does it work?

Bumble Incognito Mode is a paid feature of the Bumble premium subscription. It hides your profile from other users and reveals it only to the people you swipe right on. In this way, you can remain anonymous to users that don’t interest you.

To get Bumble Incognito, you must upgrade the app to Premium first. Then, follow these steps to activate the feature:

1. Click on the profile icon at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Select the “Settings” menu and scroll down.
3. Enable Incognito Mode.

Is Bumble Incognito Mode worth it?

Many people find the Incognito Mode an attractive option. You decide who sees your profile, including the photos and any info you display. It will make using Bumble even safer.

Incognito Mode is also worth considering if you don’t want your friends to find out you’re looking for a partner. Sometimes, you just want to keep your private life to yourself.

The Bumble app has taken many steps to become a safer platform, including implementing Incognito Mode and the photo verification feature. Bumble also invests in weeding out bots and blocking suspicious profiles.

However, it’s important to remember that no dating application is 100% secure.

Being cautious, following the best online security practices, and applying common sense are essential when using any dating app, including Bumble.

FAQ

Are there fake profiles on Bumble?

Yes, you can encounter fake profiles on Bumble despite the photo verification feature and other security measures. You can contribute to the app’s safety by reporting any profile that seems suspicious or makes you feel unsafe.

Is it safe to give my number on Bumble?

No, giving your phone number on Bumble or other online dating apps is unsafe, especially if you haven’t chatted long enough with the person in question. It’s safer to arrange your date through the Bumble platform and disclose your number or other personal details only after you get to know the person.

Can you browse Bumble anonymously?

Yes, you can browse Bumble anonymously by using Incognito Mode, a paid service of the Bumble app. Your profile won’t appear to anyone unless you swipe right on them.

Does Bumble give out personal information upon request?

Yes, Bumble might collaborate with a law enforcement agency when needed (for example, to conduct an investigation or a welfare check) if it formally submits a data request to the company.