Finding the right partner is a difficult matter for many people and so more and more people are using online dating portals as a tool. But the seemingly simple flirting alternative holds some dangers. Fake profiles in particular have become a nuisance in recent years.
What is the motivation behind the fake profiles?
There are generally two types of fake profiles. First of all, there are accounts in which the person concerned deliberately describes themselves incorrectly. Here, however, the exact definition is a bit difficult, as the transition between a profile that is only slightly polished and one in which there is a lot of lying is fluid.
Accounts that are created for people who do not exist are more problematic. These are usually motivated by intentions to deceive, while false descriptions usually serve to increase one's own chances.
The reasons for a fake profile can be varied, but profit is usually in the foreground in some form. Often these are profiles through which contact details are to be obtained, which are then used for spam advertising.
But expensive telephone numbers and SMS are also used to try to take money out of ignorant people's pockets. In addition, there are always prostitutes or male jokers who get up to mischief on dating sites.
How can I recognize fakes?
If you don't want to fall into the trap of scammers, you should pay attention to a few things that can identify fake profiles. An important factor is often the image used. Very professional pictures are usually an indicator that not everything is going well.
The text can also give you an idea of how serious the other person is. Good German and a high level of effort should therefore always play a role when evaluating a profile. In addition, you should not be blinded by tragic stories and requests for money. It is almost always a scammer.
Providers of reputable dating portals are reacting
The major online dating portals are now increasingly taking action against fraudsters on their sites because they have become a real image problem. For example, the provider Parship primarily on an information offensive and tries to protect members by providing information on how to recognize and report fraudsters.
In addition, the detailed personality test also guarantees that the portal is rather unattractive for fake profiles, as this forms the basis for the contact suggestions. And a security function has also been built into the images, so they are only activated after successful contact.
A useful article indeed, as more and more people are falling for fake profiles on dating platforms. Of course it's happened to me before. Well, not just once, more like a few times. But I learned from it and am more careful now.
Thanks for the helpful post about dating fakes, I've fallen for it myself. In the end they want to sell you a paid subscription or other things. Of course, a professional profile picture doesn't always have to be a fake, but it's a good idea to approach it carefully!