Online dating can spark romance—or scams. Learn how to spot red flags, avoid fraud, and protect yourself from catfishing and other digital dating dangers.

First comes swiping, then comes… scams? Online dating can lead to lasting love, but it can also open the door to heartbreak, fraud, and safety risks. Here’s what to watch out for so you can date smarter and safer. 

These days, when you ask a couple how they met, chances are they’ll say a dating app like Hinge or Bumble. Nearly half of all consumers have used, or are currently using, an online dating platform, according to the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insight Report. And while dating apps make it easier than ever to meet new people, they also come with serious risks. 

In fact, 1 in 4 online daters say they’ve been targeted by a scam. Even more alarming, 30% report receiving continued unwanted contact, and 6% have been threatened with physical harm, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center study. 

Below, we’ll break down the dangers of online dating, the red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself while swiping.  

1. Online dating scams 

Fraudsters may create fake profiles on dating apps to scam other users. These romance scams can start with flattering messages and promises of love, but quickly escalate to requests for money or personal information. Once the scammer gets what they’re after, they typically vanish without a trace. 

Here are a few common online dating scams on the rise: 

• Fake illness or emergency: The scammer suddenly claims they or a loved one has a medical emergency and urgently needs financial help. 

• Fake profiles: Fraudsters may create fake profiles on dating apps to scam other users. These romance scams can start with flattering messages and promises of love, but quickly escalate to requests for money or personal information. Once the scammer gets what they’re after, they typically vanish without a trace. 

• Military romance scams: The scammer poses as a deployed service member and claims they need money for leave, food, or travel. 

• 2FA code scams: They ask you to share a verification code “to prove you’re real,” but they’re actually trying to hack your accounts. 

• Investment scams: They try to get you to invest in fake cryptocurrency, but the money goes straight to their pocket. 

• Inheritance scams: They claim they’re about to receive a large inheritance but need help covering legal or transfer fees, and promise to pay you back. 

• Phishing scams: They send fake links that appear to lead to dating profiles, gifts, or shared photos, but actually steal your login credentials or install malware. 

• Red flags to look for: Be cautious of anyone who avoids video calls, moves too fast, or asks for money, gift cards, or sensitive info. Scammers often use dramatic stories to create urgency and pressure you into helping them. 

2. Catfishing 

Catfishing happens when someone creates a fake identity, usually with stolen photos and a made-up backstory, to trick you into an online relationship. Sometimes it’s just for attention, but it can also be a setup for a scam to steal your personal information or money.  

One Oklahoma scammer, for example, allegedly laundered around $1.5 million through catfishing scams that targeted the elderly. 

Red flags to look for: They dodge video calls, avoid meeting in person, or their stories don’t quite add up. If something feels off, it probably is. 

3. Cyberstalking 

While many people look up their potential dates online, cyberstalking takes it to another level. It occurs when someone uses online tools to harass, track, or threaten you, and can sometimes start after connecting through online dating. It can feel creepy and scary, with unwanted messages, constant monitoring, or even threats. 

Red flags to look for: If someone won’t respect your boundaries, keeps messaging you nonstop, or tries to track where you are, take it seriously and block them ASAP. 

4. Blackmail or sextortion   

Blackmail and sextortion happen when someone threatens to share your private photos, messages, or info unless you pay up or do what they want.  

One Reddit user shared their experience of matching with someone on the popular dating app Bumble and later engaging in explicit activity over FaceTime. However, the fraudster recorded the encounter without the victim's awareness and used it to blackmail them with threats of posting it online.  

Red flags to look for: If someone starts demanding money or favors in exchange for keeping things private, don’t give in. Reach out for help and block them right away. 

5. Sexual harassment and abuse  

Unfortunately, some online dating experiences can include unwanted sexual advances, pressure, or abuse. This behavior can happen in messages, video chats, or even in person after meeting up. 

Red flags to look for: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, disrespects your boundaries, or pressures you in any way, trust your instincts, cut off contact immediately, and consider contacting the authorities.  

How to stay safe when online dating 

Whether you're new to the apps or a seasoned swiper, following a few basic online dating safety tips can help you stay protected while looking for a connection. 

Here’s what to keep in mind:  

• Don’t give out personal information: Avoid sharing your full name, address, or other sensitive info until you've built trust and met in person. 

• Do your research: A quick search of their name or profile photos can help verify they are who they say they are. 

• Start with a video call: Suggest a quick video chat to confirm they are who they claim to be, especially if the connection is long-distance. 

• Only meet in public places: Choose a well-lit, public location for first dates.  

• Share details with a friend or family member:  Let someone know where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back. 

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.   

What to do if you experience dangerous activity  

If someone makes you feel unsafe while online dating, trust your instincts and immediately cut off contact. After that, take these steps to protect yourself and help prevent the same thing from happening to others:  

• Block and report the user: Use the app’s tools to block the person and report their profile. Most platforms take violations seriously and investigate suspicious accounts. 

• Contact the authorities: If you’ve been threatened, harassed, or scammed, contact your local police department and provide any evidence, such as screenshots or messages. 

• Report fraud to the FTC: If you’ve been targeted in a scam, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help federal authorities with investigations.   

Don't let love steal more than your heart 

Swiping right shouldn’t mean falling into a scam. A scam detection tool can help you spot sketchy behavior before things get serious. Apps like Avast Free Antivirus use AI and real-time fraud databases to help you detect suspicious activity so you can protect your heart and your data. Try it for free today.   

FAQs 

Is online dating safe? 

Online dating can be safe if you follow basic precautions and stay alert for red flags. 

Can someone steal my identity through a dating app? 

Yes, if you share too much personal information, scammers can use it to steal your identity.  

How do you know if you’re being scammed while online dating? 

Red flags that indicate you may be being scammed while online dating include fast-moving relationships, requests for money, or refusing to video chat. 

Can your data get leaked from online dating sites? 

Yes, like any online platform, dating sites can experience data breaches.