Hinge scams: How to protect yourself

Broke travelers, big-time crypto investors, scammers in uniform, money launderers, sugar daddies and mommies—Hinge scams have them all, and more. Learning how to spot fake Hinge accounts can save your dating life, and a few awkward calls to anti-fraud agencies.

This guide covers the most common Hinge scams to watch for, the signs of a scam profile, and smart habits that help you stay safe while using the app. Towards the end, you’ll also find steps to take if you’ve already been scammed.

Hinge scams to look out for

Hinge isn’t immune to online dating scams, though some pop up more often than others. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for.

1. Travel money scam

A timeless classic among romance scammers. The fraudster may claim they live far away but plan to visit you soon. After some chatting, they say their trip is delayed due to a sudden issue. Lost luggage, visa trouble, unexpected bills, you name it.

They make things sound urgent and ask for help “just this once,” promising to pay you back. Scammers usually take the time to build trust before attempting this trick. The more it feels like you’re helping a future partner, the more likely you are to send money. Of course, they disappear once they get what they want.

2. Crypto investment schemes

Cryptocurrency scams on Hinge often start with a match who brings up money early on. They’ll go on and on about their easy profits in the crypto space, and maybe send some fake photos of their supposedly expensive lifestyle. Some even pretend to care, saying they want to help you build a future together by investing.

Either way, they’ll send you to a fake exchange or app that looks real and walk you through the process. Of course, all you’re really doing is depositing money into their account.

Now, some scammers go for the long con. Rather than steal a large sum all at once and vanish, you’ll see fake “gains” with every deposit. Naturally, when you try to withdraw, it won’t work. If you keep adding funds hoping to unlock your account, you’ll only lose more money over time.

3. Phishing messages and emails

Speaking of fake crypto apps, some phishing scams involve sketchy links to seemingly harmless apps that are actually spyware in disguise. Instead of doing what they advertise, they may collect your private data, steal your payment info, and so on.

Other scammers may send links that claim to be for playlists, photos, or social accounts. The scam page may look convincing at first, but it might ask for personal info or login details, or get you to install malware.

Another common phishing tactic is fake emails that appear to be from Hinge customer support. They usually say there’s a problem with your account or that you need to update your info. Unsurprisingly, the login link won’t redirect you to the Hinge app itself. Instead, you might end up on a browser version that mimics the real thing and is designed to steal your data.

4. Military romance scams

In this case, scammers pretend to be soldiers or officers deployed in a distant region. The usual story is that they want to settle down after deployment, so things seem to get serious fast. Then comes the ask: money for leave paperwork, customs fees, or medical and travel expenses.

Now that Hinge has gotten rid of voice and video calls, it’s easier for scammers to avoid proving who they are. They don’t have to fall back on the old “poor signal” or “security risk” excuses you’d typically see in military romance scams.

Alternatively, scammers might suggest switching to a different app, like WhatsApp or Telegram, even if they never plan to call you there, either. It’s just so you have no protections from Hinge in case you get scammed.

5. Sextortion scams

In sextortion scams, a match flirts heavily and encourages you to share revealing photos or videos. They may even send explicit pictures of their own to make it more convincing, though they’re usually stolen from unknowing victims or generated with AI.

Once you reply, they flip the tone and threaten to send the material to your friends, family, or workplace unless you pay them to stay quiet.

These scams happen quickly, sometimes within hours of matching. They rely on shock and shame to make you panic. The person might even claim they’re under 18 and threaten to report you unless you cooperate, which can make you feel trapped and unable to ask for help.

6. Hinge money mule scam

This scam takes longer to build and feels more like a regular relationship. After weeks of chatting, your match asks you to help them move money—maybe to help a sick relative or due to “wiring issues” with overseas banks. They frame it like a small favor, and since they’re not asking for money, it doesn’t feel like a scam at first.

That said, sending or receiving money on someone else’s behalf can drag you into serious legal trouble. You might be unknowingly laundering funds from criminal sources, but banks and law enforcement can still hold you responsible.

7. Sugar daddy or sugar mommy scam

Some scammers on Hinge pretend to be a rich sugar daddy or mommy, offering cash or gifts in return for casual affection. They may talk about sending money every week or spoiling you with expensive trips. Of course, this is usually the setup for an identity theft scam or a ploy to steal your money.

In the first scenario, the scammer might ask for sensitive details so they can make a deposit or book a resort or spa treatment for you. In reality, they can use this info to break into your accounts, take out loans in your name, and so on.

Another common trick is the overpayment scam on Venmo, Cash App, and similar platforms. The fraudster might send too much money on purpose, then ask you to send some of it back. By the time you realize the transfer was fake (and usually reversed by the platform), your money is already gone.

How to spot a fake Hinge profile

Scam profiles on Hinge look more believable nowadays, with full bios and realistic details instead of vague descriptions. Even so, scammers still can’t let go of certain habits. Here are the most common signs a profile may be fake.

Generic or overly polished prompts

Hinge prompts are a great way to break the ice. That said, scammers usually keep them generic because they can’t be bothered, or use AI to create responses that feel oddly well-written but have no real voice.

You’ll notice the tone doesn’t match how they actually talk once you start chatting. Then again, they could be using AI throughout the whole thing to keep it consistent.

Fake or stolen profile photos

Scammers still haven’t learned to move away from influencer-style photos that look a little too staged for a casual dating app profile. They’re usually stolen from Instagram models or outright AI-generated to draw attention.

Unfortunately, you can’t just use Google Images to look them up anymore, as Google limits results for real people due to privacy reasons. Understandable, but also a win for scammers, since alternatives like Yandex, Bing, or PimEye are nowhere near as good.

No local details in their photos

Most real users have at least one photo taken somewhere familiar, like a local street, café, or apartment building. Scam profiles tend to avoid anything that could reveal their real location. Their photos usually look generic or taken from hotels or tourist spots.

You might also notice there’s nothing in their bio or prompts that ties them to the city they say they live in. They won’t reference local places, events, or even have group photos with friends or family. If they say they’re nearby but don’t sound like it, the profile might not be real.

Catfishing

Catfishing happens when someone pretends to be a completely different person. The scammer usually builds a fake persona with stolen photos and mirrors your interests and views to get you emotionally invested.

Their backstory is usually realistic enough to avoid suspicion, like how they’re traveling for work, are new in town, or similar ideas. These excuses let them avoid meeting in person or answering follow-up questions if their details don’t match up.

Trying to switch to another app

Hinge scams asking for a phone number aren’t as easy to spot anymore. Since the app removed voice and video calls, scammers can justify going to WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, or other options to “prove you’re real” or for similar reasons.

What’s actually happening is they’re taking the conversation elsewhere to avoid getting reported on Hinge. Even if their Hinge account does get banned eventually, they may still have a few victims in their contacts list.

Excessive affection early on

“Love bombing” is a thing, and if someone showers you with praise, talks about “fate,” or calls you their soulmate when you barely know each other—well, they’re probably a scammer. Or, they may not be emotionally mature enough to date, at the very least.

Regardless, people may try this tactic on you, so you’re more likely to let your guard down. This fake closeness makes it easier for them to ask for money or favors later. It may feel good in the moment, but genuine relationships take time to build.

Emotional guilt-tripping

On the other end of the spectrum, some scammers try to score sympathy points by sharing dramatic stories about illness, hardship, or family problems. These stories are meant to make you feel bad for them, so you’ll be more willing to help when they eventually ask for something.

It might start with small stuff, like saying they’re going through a bad breakup or a rough patch. Over time, the stories get more serious, leading up to a money request. If they bring up personal trauma early on, that’s worth being cautious about.

How to avoid scams while using Hinge

New Hinge scams pop up, and old methods get refined all the time. Here are a few reliable ways to avoid falling for one of their traps without second-guessing every match.

The first impression

First impressions go a long way. These signs won’t give you the full picture, but they can help you figure out who’s worth your time:

• Stick to verified accounts: Pay attention to verified badges and the “New Here” label. They’re not all out to steal your money, nor does being verified guarantee safety, but it’s a decent first filter.
• Watch out for model-style pictures: Studio-quality photos often come from stock sites, stolen social media posts, or AI tools. Real profiles usually mix in casual shots with friends, pets, or everyday settings.
• Avoid generic profiles: Not everyone on Hinge is a social butterfly with a treasure trove of tales to tell, but everyone has at least one thing they like, one place they enjoy, or one opinion they can’t help but share.

Spotting red flags in conversation

Now, you don’t have to turn dating into a job interview. But if someone tiptoes around basic questions, overshares too soon, or stays vague on purpose, that’s not a great sign.

• Be wary of overly flattering messages: Scammers tend to move fast with over-the-top compliments, long emotional messages, and talk of fate and soulmates. It’s meant to build trust quickly before asking for favors.
• Ask specific personal questions: Simple questions about daily life, routines, or preferences can reveal a lot. Real people share details naturally instead of replying with vague or rehearsed answers.
• Verify work and background details: If they mention a job or school, see if it checks out elsewhere (like LinkedIn). Scammers often lie about careers or achievements because they don’t expect anyone to look into it.
• Check their local knowledge: Ask about familiar spots, neighborhoods, or events in the area. Real users tend to have at least some connection to where they claim to live.
• Follow up on hobbies and work: If someone lists a hobby or job, ask about it later. People love talking about themselves and their interests. Scammers either change the subject or get things wrong.
• Constant excuses not to meet: To preface, no one owes anyone a date. But if the person expresses interest and then constantly avoids real-world meetups, there’s probably a reason.

Personal safety basics

Even if a match seems genuine, it helps to stick to a few ground rules. These basics reduce risk without making dating feel tense or too cautious:

• Use Hinge messaging early on: Moving the chat off Hinge right away can make things riskier. It’s better to stay on the app until you feel confident they’re being genuine.
• Don’t share revealing photos: Once a scammer has compromising images, they can use them for blackmail. Never feel pressured to share saucy pictures just because your match sends some first.
• Keep money out of the conversation: No matter how real someone seems, don’t send money, buy gift cards, or cover travel costs. Scammers almost always frame it as a one-time emergency.
• Avoid suspicious links: Never click on playlists, photo albums, or random files from people you just met. These can lead to malware, phishing sites, or fake apps that steal your info.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if you do fall for a phishing scam, 2FA should lock out hackers without the right verification code. Consider phishing-resistant MFA options so attackers can’t intercept your SMS or authenticator codes.
• Choose safe meeting spots: Meet in public places like cafés or parks, and let someone you trust know where you’re going. Don’t travel long distances for a first meetup, especially if they avoid calls.

What to do if you got scammed on Hinge

These things happen, even if you’re as careful as can be. What matters most is what you do next. Here’s a quick checklist in case you got scammed on Hinge:

• Cut off contact and report the scammer: Head to their profile, tap the three horizontal dots, then pick Report. This also works from the chat screen. Do not continue chatting or send them any more of your info.
• Reset important passwords: Start with your email, banking, and other crucial accounts to keep scammers out. Use a password manager to speed up the process by generating strong passwords and storing them securely.
• Save any evidence: This includes chat screenshots, profile names, transaction history, and anything else tied to the scam that could help your payment provider or the authorities.
• Contact your card provider or bank: The sooner you contact them, the better. They can step in to block transactions or protect your account.
• Alert anti-fraud organizations: While not guaranteed, they may be able to trace the scammer more effectively. In the US, that means the FTC or the FBI’s IC3. In the UK, it’s Action Fraud. Canadians can report to the AFC, and Australians to the ACCC.
• Monitor your accounts: In the following weeks, keep an eye out for any suspicious logins or transactions you don’t recognize.
• Be wary of follow-up scams: Posting about getting scammed can attract fake “experts” who offer help for a fee, then disappear once they’re paid. The same scammer can also create alt Hinge accounts to try their luck again.

How does Hinge verification work? Is it safe?

Hinge verification lets you record a short video selfie in the app so you can get a “Verified” badge on your profile. It runs a liveness check to make sure you’re a real person, then compares your video selfie to your profile photos with facial recognition tech.

Once you pass verification, Hinge says it deletes your facial geometry data within 24 hours and doesn’t keep the video selfie. However, it does keep three screenshots from the selfie for auditing purposes, plus the verification result and an age estimate while your account remains active. Note that changing your photos later can remove your “Verified” badge.

Moreover, Hinge may use your age estimate and the audit screenshots to train “select machine-learning models” (read: AI) tied to their trust and safety systems. They delete that data when you close your account, but Face Check™ is required in some regions, and facial geometry data can be kept long after the account is closed.

Privacy concerns aside, the system isn’t perfect. For example, a hacker might hijack a profile that already has the badge to scam other users. Or, they could generate convincing video selfies with AI to fake their way through. Bottom line: scammers can still get verified, so don’t treat the badge like a guarantee.

Hinge scams FAQs