How to spot fake profiles and romance scams on dating apps

Most people you meet online are exactly who they say they are. A small number are not, and the harm they cause can be serious: lost savings, blackmail and a lasting loss of trust. Scammers rely on the same handful of patterns again and again. Once you know them, they are much easier to spot.

Why verification helps, and where it stops

On Myra, no profile is visible until its owner has passed a live selfie check that matches their photos. That removes most fake and impersonated profiles at the source. But verification only tells you that the person is real and matches their pictures. It does not tell you what they intend. A real person can still lie. So the habits in this guide matter everywhere, including here. Read why Myra verifies every profile for what the check does and does not cover.

The investment or trading scam

This is one of the most common patterns. Someone friendly and attractive starts a conversation that seems normal for days or weeks. Then they mention, almost casually, how well they are doing on a trading platform, a crypto app or an "insider" scheme run by a relative. They offer to help you get started. Early "profits" may even appear in your account.

The platform is fake, and the money is gone the moment you try to withdraw it. Anyone who brings up investments, trading tips or making money together while you are getting to know them is a serious warning sign.

The emergency

After building trust, the person suddenly has a crisis: a medical bill, a customs fee for a parcel they sent you, a stranded relative, a frozen bank account. They need a small amount urgently, by UPI or a gift card, and promise to pay it back. Then they need more.

Never send money, UPI payments, gift cards or bank details to someone you met online, whatever the story. A genuine person will not ask.

The rush to move elsewhere

Many scams begin with an attempt to move you off the dating app quickly, to WhatsApp, Telegram or another messenger, where there is no reporting and no moderation. On Myra, your phone number is never shown to matches, so you can keep talking in the app for as long as you like. Treat pressure to switch platforms in the first few messages as a warning sign.

Video-call blackmail

In this pattern, a match pushes for a video call, often late at night, and encourages things to become intimate quickly. The call is recorded, and the victim is then threatened with the video being sent to family, friends or colleagues unless they pay.

Be cautious about video calls you did not suggest, especially early on and especially if the other person keeps their own camera off or seems to be showing a pre-recorded video. If you are targeted, do not pay. Paying almost never ends the demands. Stop all contact, keep evidence, and report it.

Other signs to watch for

• Profiles that seem too polished, with model-style photos and vague answers.
• Stories that change: a job in one city one week, another the next.
• Grand declarations of love within days.
• Avoiding meeting in person, with an endless supply of reasons.
• Copy-pasted messages that do not respond to what you actually said.
• Requests for personal details such as your workplace, your family's names or ID documents.

If something feels off

Trust the feeling. You do not owe anyone an explanation for ending a conversation. On Myra you can block and report from any profile or chat. Blocking takes effect immediately and ends the match. Reports are reviewed by a person on our team, who can act to protect others. The safety centre explains each tool.

If you have already lost money or are being threatened

You are not to blame. These schemes are run by organised groups and they are designed to fool careful people.

• Stop all contact and do not send any more money.
• Keep screenshots of conversations, profiles, payment receipts and phone numbers.
• Report it to the National Cyber Crime helpline by calling 1930, or online at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting quickly gives the best chance of freezing a payment.
• Contact your bank straight away if you shared bank or card details.
• Report the account on Myra so our team can act.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 112.

Look after each other

Scams thrive on embarrassment. If a friend tells you about someone they met online who is asking for money, listen without judgement and help them check the story. Sharing what you know is one of the best protections there is.

For general advice on meeting someone safely in person, read our guide to first-date safety in Indian cities.