Online dating has revolutionized how people meet, but it has also opened doors for fraudsters. Globally, dating scams cost victims billions of dollars annually, and Indians—especially those living abroad—are increasingly targeted. Scammers exploit emotions, cultural familiarity, and trust to trick singles into giving money, personal information, or compromising situations.
Platforms like SecondSutra provide a safer alternative for Indian singles and those seeking a second marriage to find genuine, verified connections. With strict verification policies, curated profiles, and secure communication features, SecondSutra is designed to minimize the risks of online dating scams while helping users focus on meaningful relationships. Whether you’re using mainstream apps like Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge, or niche Indian platforms, knowing the warning signs can help you stay safe while searching for love.
Signs of a Scammer
Online dating scammers often use emotional manipulation and elaborate schemes to gain trust quickly. They may pose as charming, successful, or empathetic individuals while hiding their true intentions. Their tactics can include creating fake profiles, telling sob stories, or inventing emergencies that pressure you into sending money or sharing personal information.
Here are the most common red flags:
1. Requests for Money: Scammers often create emotional crises, like a medical emergency or a visa problem, and ask for money. Genuine matches rarely ask for financial help early in a relationship.
2. Rushed Emotional Attachment: Be wary of people who declare love or soulmate feelings within days. They may try to lower your guard using flattery and emotional pressure.
3. Avoiding Video Calls or In-Person Meetings: Excuses like “bad internet” or “work travel” can indicate someone is hiding their true identity. Avoid commitment until you’ve verified them through video or safe public meetings.
4. Fake Jobs or Investment Opportunities Abroad: Offers that sound too good to be true, like overseas jobs or business opportunities, are often scams. Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t verified.
5. Reluctance to Share Personal Details: If someone avoids talking about their family, job, or daily life — or gives vague answers — it could be a sign they’re hiding something. Genuine individuals are usually open about their background as trust builds.
6. Refusing to Share Contact Information: When someone insists on chatting only within the app and refuses to share even a basic phone number or social media handle after multiple interactions, it’s a warning sign. Scammers prefer to stay anonymous to avoid being traced.
7. Inconsistent Stories: If their details — like city, job role, or family background — keep changing, or they dodge simple follow-up questions, that inconsistency often signals deception.
8. Overly Private or Secretive Behavior: Some may say “I don’t want anyone to know about us yet” or ask you not to tell friends or family about your conversations. That secrecy can indicate manipulation or hidden motives.
9. Refusal to Verify Profile Information: If they resist verification steps like ID checks, video calls, or linking social profiles, it could mean their identity doesn’t match what’s on their profile. Verified platforms like SecondSutra help you filter out such users safely.
10. Negative or Controlling Language: Watch for subtle signs of control — like guilt-tripping, questioning your online activity, or reacting negatively if you delay replies. Emotional manipulation often begins this way.
Tip: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
A Real-Life Close Call: When “Too Good to Be True” Happens
Here’s a story shared by a member of the SecondSutra community from India, who had a close encounter with an online dating scam. Their experience serves as a reminder to stay vigilant while dating online.
I recently tried a dating app called Navi while looking to meet someone outside of India. After a week of great conversations with a man who claimed to be a doctor from the Netherlands, I felt cared for—he even asked about me and my kid. It felt refreshing to have someone check in genuinely, so when he asked for my contact info, I shared it.
Everything seemed normal on WhatsApp for about 10 days. Then he said he was flying to India to meet me and promised marriage if all went well. My instincts started ringing alarms, but a part of me hoped it could actually happen.
The red flags became undeniable when a woman claiming to be from Delhi Airport customs called me, saying he had carried €100,000 without proper paperwork and I needed to pay ₹88,500 to release the funds. That’s when I realized it was a scam. I calmly refused, disconnected the call, and later learned this is a classic scam tactic targeting singles online.
I didn’t get scammed, but it was a sharp reminder: always stay alert and verify before trusting anyone online, even when it feels “too good to be true.”
Share Your Dating Story Anonymously
Have you faced scams, funny encounters, or meaningful connections online? Join our Subreddit to share your story anonymously. Your experience could guide someone else toward safer, genuine connections.
Case Studies: Real Scam Reports
- Reddit Example: A user on r/ABCDesis shared how they were asked for $3,000 by someone claiming it was for a visa application.
- Medium Story: “An Indian Girl’s Tinder Experience in the US” recounts fake profiles and requests for financial help under the guise of love. (Medium)
Watch this BBC report on online romance scams affecting NRIs and global users: BBC Video: Online Romance Scams
These examples underline the need for vigilance while navigating online dating.
Tips to Avoid Scams
Before building trust or sharing personal details online, keep these safety tips in mind:
1. Use Verified Platforms
Choose matchmaking sites that verify user identities and offer secure communication tools. Verified platforms minimize fake accounts and scammers pretending to be someone they’re not. Look for platforms that screen profiles manually or use verification badges — it’s your first step toward genuine, safe connections.
2. Always Video Call First
Before meeting anyone in person, insist on a video call. It helps confirm that the person you’re speaking with matches their photos and story. Scammers often avoid showing their face, so if someone keeps delaying or refusing a call, it’s a strong warning sign.
3. Research Their Profile
Spend a few minutes checking their name, job title, or profile photo online. A simple Google or reverse image search can reveal duplicate accounts or stock photos used by scammers. It’s not about mistrust — it’s about protecting yourself from deception early on.
4. Never Send Money
No matter how convincing their story may sound, never send money, recharge cards, or share banking details. Common excuses include medical emergencies, business losses, or visa issues. Remember, genuine people will never pressure you for financial help — especially at the start of a relationship.
5. Meet in Safe, Public Spaces
When you decide to meet, choose a well-lit, public place like a café or mall. Avoid private settings until you’ve built real trust. Share your meeting details — time, location, and contact number — with a close friend or family member for extra safety.
6. Protect Personal Information
Keep details like your home address, workplace, or daily routine private until you’re sure about someone’s intentions. Oversharing can make you vulnerable to emotional manipulation or stalking. Let trust grow naturally — genuine people will respect your boundaries.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Your intuition is one of the best tools for online safety. If a conversation feels rushed, overly emotional, or inconsistent, step back. It’s okay to block or report a profile that makes you uncomfortable — your peace of mind is far more valuable than staying polite.
Safe Platforms vs Unsafe Platforms
Safe Platforms for Indians
- SecondSutra: Focuses on verified profiles, second chances for divorcees, widows/widowers, and single parents seeking serious remarriage.
- Shaadi.com & Bharat Matrimony: Traditional platforms with verification and large Indian user bases.
- MeraLuv & Dil Mil: NRI-focused apps with moderate verification and cultural relevance.
Platforms with Higher Scam Risk
- General apps without verification: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge can have fake profiles, especially if users ask for money or avoid video calls.
- Unknown niche sites: Sites lacking moderation or reviews should be approached cautiously.
Tip: Always look for platforms with profile verification, community guidelines, and moderation.
Stay Safe While Finding Love
Online dating can be rewarding, but awareness is your best defense. Following the warning signs, checklist, and sticking to verified platforms will help you avoid scams and focus on genuine connections.
💡 For second chances in love, without the fear of scams, explore SecondSutra, a verified platform for Indians seeking serious relationships after divorce, widowhood, or single parenting. Download the Android App to get started today!
FAQs: How to Avoid Dating Scams
1. How do I identify a dating scam?
Common signs include requests for money, rushed emotional attachment, refusal to video chat, or fake overseas job offers.
2. Can mainstream apps be safe?
Yes, but you must verify profiles, use video calls, and watch for red flags. Verified Indian matchmaking platforms are generally safer.
3. Are Indians targeted more by online dating scams?
Yes, especially NRIs, because scammers exploit cultural familiarity and trust. Awareness is key.
4. How can SecondSutra help avoid scams?
SecondSutra offers verified profiles, a moderated community, and a safe space for those seeking serious relationships after divorce or widowhood.
5. What steps should I take before meeting someone?
Verify identity, conduct video calls, meet in public, avoid sending money, but above all, trust your instincts.
