Is the Dating App Catfish Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a romance scam.

What should I do if I received the Dating App Catfish Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Dating App Catfish Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Dating App Catfish Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Dating App Catfish Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Romance

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers create attractive fake profiles on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge to build emotional connections with victims. Once trust is established, they manipulate victims into sending money, gifts, or personal information.

How This Scam Works

A scammer creates a profile using stolen photos of an attractive person. They match with you and quickly build an intense emotional connection, often professing strong feelings within days. They always have a reason they cannot meet in person or video chat, such as being deployed overseas, working on an oil rig, or traveling for work. Eventually they introduce a financial crisis: a medical emergency, legal trouble, or needing money to travel to see you. Requests start small and escalate. Some romance scams pivot into crypto investment scams, asking you to invest on a platform they recommend.

Red Flags to Watch For

Profile photos look too polished or model-like
Quickly professes love or intense feelings
Always has excuses for not meeting in person or video calling
Claims to be overseas: military, oil rig, humanitarian work
Asks for money for emergencies, flights, or medical bills
Wants to move conversation to WhatsApp or a private channel quickly

Example Scam Messages

Message: 'I know we just started talking but I feel such a strong connection with you. I've never felt this way before. I wish I could be there with you right now but my deployment doesn't end for 3 months.' Later: 'Baby I'm in trouble. I got injured and the military hospital needs a deposit before they can treat me. I'll pay you back as soon as I get home. Can you wire $2,000? I have no one else to ask.' --- Message: 'I want to visit you so bad but my passport was stolen and I need $800 for an emergency replacement. Can you help me? I promise I'll make it up to you.'

What to Do If You Received This

Reverse image search their profile photos
Insist on a video call before developing feelings
Never send money to someone you have not met in person
Be wary of anyone who professes love quickly
Ask questions about their claimed location or job to verify consistency

What to Do If You Fell For It

Stop all communication with the scammer
Do not send any more money regardless of emotional pressure
Contact your bank to report fraudulent transfers
Save all messages, photos, and financial records as evidence
File a police report
Seek emotional support; romance scams are psychologically devastating

How to Report This Scam

Report the profile on the dating app
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov (select romance scam)
Report to the dating platform's trust and safety team

Last updated: February 10, 2026