What are Hinge scams?
Hinge scams refer to romance scams that take place on the popular dating app Hinge. While Hinge itself is a legitimate platform designed to help people form meaningful connections, scammers sometimes exploit it to target unsuspecting users.
Scammers create fake profiles on Hinge and use stolen photos and fake backstories to gain your trust. Once they build a connection, their goal is to manipulate you into sending money, sharing personal or financial information, or falling for other forms of financial deception.
How do Hinge scams work?
A typical Hinge scam follows these steps:
- 1.They reel you in with a fake profile. Hinge scammers start by creating a profile that looks perfect. The photos are charming, and the bio may describe someone successful, kind, or adventurous — all designed to arouse your interest.
- 2.They love-bomb you. After matching with you, the romance scammer sends overly affectionate messages right away. After just a few chats, they might talk about how much they like you, mention marriage, or even say “I love you." This fast-paced connection is meant to lower your guard and make you feel emotionally invested.
- 3.They push you to leave Hinge. Once the conversation heats up, the scammer asks you to move the chat to another platform, like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Snapchat. Moving to another platform makes it harder for Hinge to track or ban the scammer’s profile. It also allows them to continue the scam if their account gets reported.
- 4.They create a fake emergency or irresistible opportunity. When the scammer believes you trust them, they introduce a financial angle. They might claim to need money for an urgent medical procedure, travel costs to visit you, or help with a sudden crisis. Other Hinge scammers may promise a risk-free investment, such as cryptocurrency, where you’ll supposedly make huge profits.
- 5.They disappear once you realize the truth. As soon as you stop sending money or catch onto their lies, the scammer blocks you and vanishes. Depending on the situation, you could lose money, fall victim to identity theft, or even jeopardize your online safety if you shared sensitive information like credit card details or your Social Security number (SSN).
What are the most common scams on Hinge?
Scams on Hinge take many forms. Below are the most common Hinge scams, along with tips on how you can spot them. Keep in mind that these romance scams are prevalent not just on Hinge but on other dating apps as well.
Catfishing scams
Catfishing happens when someone uses a fake persona to trick you into an emotional connection. Scammers who rely on catfishing build fake identities using stolen photos and made-up stories to seem believable. They’ll often go to great lengths to keep you hooked, claiming to live far away or to have demanding jobs that make meeting in person difficult.
For example, you might match with someone who claims to be a doctor working with a charity overseas. They tell heartwarming stories about their work, but their busy schedule or location makes it impossible to meet in person or video chat.
You’re talking to a catfish if:
- The person refuses to video call or meet you face-to-face.
- Their stories often sound too good to be true.
- They rush to build trust or express strong feelings early on.
Fake profile scams
Fake profile scams involve scammers posing as someone they aren’t, often using bots or fake profiles on Hinge to initiate conversations. These profiles often use photos stolen from social media, stock photo sites, or image generators. Scammers often program bots to reply with generic responses to trick you into talking with them.
For example, you may come across a profile with a single photo, little to no bio, and vague responses like “Hi there!” or “You seem interesting.” If you engage, the fake bot account might send you a phishing link disguised as a social media page, a login screen, or shared photos. These links are designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your device.
How to identify fake profiles on Hinge:
- The profile has very few photos, or the photos look too professional or staged.
- Messages are generic, vague, or completely unrelated to your responses.
- Their bio lacks details or is poorly written and contains awkward language and grammatical errors.
Crypto investment scams
Cryptocurrency investment scams trick users into believing they can make fast, guaranteed money through crypto trading. Scammers will often present themselves as skilled investors who want to help you by sharing exclusive opportunities. They’ll use fake websites or platforms to steal your money once you start trading.
For instance, in a cryptocurrency scam, a match might introduce themselves as a crypto expert and show screenshots of their alleged earnings. They encourage you to invest a small amount first. Once you’re hooked, they pressure you to invest large sums.
You are talking to a crypto scammer if:
- They bring up cryptocurrency early in your conversations.
- They promise unrealistically high or guaranteed returns.
- They push you to use a specific app or platform you’ve never heard of.
Military romance scams
Military romance scams involve fraudsters pretending to be members of the military or professionals working overseas. These scammers often use their distant status to justify why they can’t meet in real life, video call, or resolve financial issues on their own.
For example, someone might say they’re a deployed soldier who needs funds to help with a banking problem or medical emergency. They’ll offer heartfelt promises to pay you back and even fabricate fake military documents to seem credible.
You’re probably talking to a military romance scammer if:
- They claim to be deployed or working overseas, which makes it impossible for them to meet you in person.
- They eventually ask for money to handle supposed emergencies.
- They sometimes involve fake commanding officers or documents to build trust.
Malicious link scams
Dating site scammers frequently use fake or bot accounts to carry out malicious link scams. They disguise links as part of a casual conversation or send them as the first message. These links often lead to phishing websites that steal your personal data or install malware on your device.
For example, a match might say, “Check out this link to my private photos,” or ask you to click a link to verify your identity for the app. Their ultimate goal is to gain access to your sensitive information or compromise your devices.
How to identify a malicious link scammer:
- They send you a link shortly after starting the conversation, often out of the blue.
- The link they sent you looks suspicious — it contains strange text, a shortened URL that hides the destination, or a confusing and irregular web address.
- They pressure you to click the link quickly, using urgency to lower your guard.
Money request scams
One of the most common scams on Hinge involves scammers asking for money. They often use emotional manipulation to convince you they’re in an emergency. Their stories range from medical expenses to being stranded without funds, and they’ll promise to return the money as soon as possible.
For instance, you might get a heartfelt message from a match saying their wallet was stolen during a business trip, and they can’t pay for their hotel. They’ll make it sound urgent and appeal to your sense of compassion.
Warning signs that you are talking to a romance scammer include:
- They share sudden sob stories asking for financial assistance, such as help to pay rent or buy a new laptop.
- They promise quick repayment but press you for immediate action.
- They request money through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Extortion scams
Extortion scams involve scammers using threats or manipulation to force victims into giving them money, often by exploiting private or sensitive information. One common type of cyber extortion scam is sextortion, where scammers pressure victims to send sensitive photos or videos and then threaten to release them unless they are paid.
For example, a scammer might quickly build trust and escalate the conversation to requesting sensitive photos. Once they have the material, they demand payment and threaten to send the content to your contacts or post it publicly if you don’t comply.
How to identify an extortion scammer:
- The scammer pushes you to share sensitive or private information early in the conversation.
- They might assure you it’s safe to lower your guard (it’s not).
- They use threats or intimidation if you hesitate or refuse to cooperate.
How to recognize a Hinge scammer
Spotting a scammer on Hinge can protect you from falling victim to their schemes. Dating site scammers use a variety of tactics to gain your trust, build a connection, and eventually exploit you. Below are nine of the most common red flags to watch out for when chatting with a potential match.
Red flag #1🚩: You can’t find information about them online. A real person will usually have some sort of online footprint, whether it’s a social media account, LinkedIn profile, or even basic search results. Scammers often avoid leaving any digital trace to protect their fake persona. If you put their name in your browser’s search box and find nothing, it’s a major red flag.
Red flag #2🚩: Their profile has a “Just joined” mark. While real Hinge users may also have the badge, scammers frequently rely on this trick to create and delete fake profiles when they are at risk of being reported.
Red flag #3🚩: They refuse to video call or meet in person. Scammers avoid situations where their real identities could be exposed. If someone frequently makes excuses for why they can’t video chat or meet face-to-face, they’re likely hiding something. Don’t be fooled by technical excuses or sudden emergencies whenever you suggest a video call.
Red flag #4🚩: They want to move the conversation to another app. Many Hinge scammers will quickly try to shift the conversation to WhatsApp, Snapchat, or other messaging apps. They might use excuses like “I don’t use Hinge much” or “It’s easier to chat here!” Moving the conversation to another app allows them to maintain communication once their Hinge account is reported or blocked.
Red flag #5🚩: They ask for financial help. A common tactic scammers use on dating apps is to create an emotional story to convince you to send money. They may claim to need help due to a medical emergency, a travel mishap, or a family issue.
Red flag #6🚩: Their profile and lifestyle seem too good to be true. Scammers often use stolen photos of models, influencers, or professionals to create profiles that look perfect. If their lifestyle appears overly glamorous, it’s worth running their photos through a reverse image search to check their authenticity.
Red flag #7🚩: They shower you with affection. Scammers will flood you with compliments, affection, and promises of a future together within a few weeks or even days of starting the conversation. If someone you’ve just matched with is declaring love and commitment too soon, exercise caution and common sense.
Red flag #8🚩: They seem overly secretive or distant about personal details. A scammer might avoid answering your questions or give vague replies when you ask personal questions. This secrecy could be because they’re hiding something, or they haven’t fully thought through the details of their fake persona.
Red flag #9🚩: They share dramatic or unbelievable stories. Some scammers will come up with stories that tug at your heartstrings or seem wildly far-fetched, such as being a wealthy entrepreneur, military hero, or doctor stuck in a foreign country with their bank account frozen. Be wary of anyone whose story sounds implausible or overly dramatic.
Example of a Hinge scam
In a case reported by FOX 11 Los Angeles, a man used a fake identity on Hinge to scam a woman and her family out of more than $1,000. After meeting on the app, the man claimed to be raising money for a nonprofit that supports domestic violence victims. He told the woman and her family that the fundraiser involved selling discounted electronics, with profits going to the cause.
The woman and her family believed him. They donated money and even promoted the fundraiser on their social media accounts. But the electronics never arrived. Once the scammer had the money, he blocked the woman, her family, and everyone else who had donated.
Steps to take if you’ve been scammed on Hinge
If you suspect that you’ve been scammed on Hinge, take the steps below to protect yourself and increase your chances of recovering from the scam.
- 1.Report the scammer on Hinge. Start by reporting the user directly on the app. Go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and select "Report." Hinge will review the profile and take action, such as blocking or removing the account.
- 2.If you sent money, act fast. If you transferred money to the scammer, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Explain that you’ve been scammed and ask them to reverse the transaction. If you used a payment app like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle, request a refund through its dispute process. The chances of getting money back after being scammed depend on how quickly you act, the payment method you used, and the policies of the service provider. If you sent cryptocurrencies, your options may be more limited.
- 3.Change your passwords and secure your accounts. If you shared personal details, such as your email address, phone number, or login information, update your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- 4.Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity. Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit card activity, and online accounts. If you notice suspicious transactions, report them to your bank or credit card company right away. Consider freezing your credit to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
- 5.File a police report and report the scam online. For additional support, file a report with your local police department. Also, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These organizations track scams and may use your report to catch fraudsters or warn others.
How to avoid getting scammed on Hinge
Scammers rely on emotional manipulation and sneaky tactics, but if you follow the strategies below, you can stay one step ahead.
- Verify the user’s profile. Check if the person you’re chatting with has a legitimate online presence. Look for social media accounts or reverse image search their profile photos to see if they’ve been stolen.
- Don’t click on any links. Be wary of links your match shares with you, especially if they seem out of place. Scammers often use links to phishing sites or malware to steal your personal information.
- Never send money to someone you hardly know. No legitimate match will ever ask you for money. Whether it’s for medical expenses, travel, or emergencies, avoid transferring funds or buying gift cards for someone you’ve only met online.
- Take your time to get to know them. Scammers often try to build trust quickly by love-bombing you or rushing the relationship. Ask questions and look for inconsistencies in their story.
- Educate yourself about scams. Stay informed about common online dating scams, such as using fake profiles, phishing, cryptocurrency schemes, and sextortion. Understanding these tactics will help you spot red flags sooner.
- Keep the conversation on Hinge. Avoid moving the chat to other platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, or Telegram. Scammers request moving to another platform to bypass Hinge’s security features and make it harder to track them.
- Look for signs of manipulation. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or emotional pressure to make you act without thinking. Think twice if they tell you a dramatic story or push for an immediate response.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. It’s better to end a conversation or report a suspicious profile than to risk falling victim to a scam. Your safety is more important than being polite.
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