Is Your Online Date Real? How to Detect Fake Identities Online

As we grow up, we often hear tales of finding “the One,” our soulmate destined for us in this vast universe. The idea of finding that special someone can feel like a lifelong quest. But what if the search for love doesn’t have to be so daunting?

In today’s interconnected global village, the internet has transformed how we connect with others. Dating apps have revolutionized the dating scene, making it easier than ever to meet people from around the world. 

No longer limited by geography, we can now swipe, chat, and video call our way to potential matches, expanding our chances of finding true love beyond our local communities. According to one of the Statista reports, In 2022, there were 57.44 million online dating service users in the United States. This shows that people are now going to online dating apps to find the one they can spend the rest of their lives with. 

But there’s a catch. With so many online dating apps available, creating an account is often quick and easy. Most apps don’t require thorough verification, which means you can sign up without much hassle. 

This simplicity also means you can upload any picture, even if it’s not actually of you. This ease of access has led to the creation of many fake online dating profiles. Some dating sites estimate that up to 10% of profiles are fake. Studies also show that 10% or more of new accounts on free dating sites are not genuine. These profiles can be so convincing that they are sometimes very hard to detect. People might use photos that aren’t their own or provide misleading information about themselves. This can make it challenging to know who you’re really talking to and can lead to disappointment or even dangerous situations.

So, how can you tell if the person you met on Tinder or any other online dating app is genuine or just a fake profile trying to take advantage of you? It can be tricky but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ve gathered essential tips and insights to help you navigate the world of online dating safely and confidently. 

Why Do People Create Fake Profiles:

In this digital world where the line between fake and real is getting blurr day by day. People often create fake personas and profiles for different reasons. The most common term used for this is “Catfishing.” This term gained popularity in 2010 when the documentary film Catfish was released. The documentary film revolves around Nev Schulman as he develops a relationship with an online woman. Later the man discovers that the woman he fell in love with online is not who she claimed to be, revealing the deceptive practice of creating fake online identities. 

Data from the FBI and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as reported by AllAboutCookies.org, reveals alarming trends: from 2019 to 2022, the average number of quarterly reports of catfishing scams surged by over 174%. Currently, there are about four times as many reports compared to early 2019.

The motives behind these fake profiles can range from emotional manipulation to financial scams. Following are the few common reasons that people create fake profiles on dating apps, 

Emotional Manipulation

Another common motive is emotional manipulation. Some individuals create fake profiles to engage in catfishing, where they build deceptive emotional or romantic relationships with their targets. This can provide the catfisher with a sense of power and control, or fulfill their own emotional needs by creating a fantasy relationship.

Psychological reasons behind it 

• Need for control
• Escapism
• Chronic loneliness
• narcissistic tendencies
•  Low self-esteem

Escaping Reality

For some, creating a fake profile offers an escape from their own lives. These individuals may be dissatisfied with their real-world circumstances and use fake profiles to live out their fantasies. By adopting a new persona, they can experience the thrill of being someone else, often someone more confident, successful, or attractive.

Psychological Reasons Behind it 

• Imagination Fulfillment
• Temporary Relief
• Dissatisfaction with Life
• Dealing with Rejection
• Avoiding Responsibilities

Curiosity and Experimentation

Some people create fake profiles out of sheer curiosity or for social experimentation. They might be interested in observing how others react to their fabricated identities or exploring different social dynamics. This can be driven by a desire to understand human behavior or simply as a form of entertainment.

Psychological Reasons Behind It 

• Exploration of Identity
• Desire for Insight
• Intellectual Stimulation
• Need for Novelty
• Boundary Testing

 Revenge or Malice

In certain cases, fake profiles are created with malicious intent. Individuals may use these profiles to bully, harass, or seek revenge on others. This can include spreading false information, damaging reputations, or causing emotional distress. Such actions are often motivated by personal vendettas or a desire to exert control over others.

 Psychological Reasons Behind It

• Personal Vendettas
• Desire for Control
• Revenge motive
• Anonymity cloak
• Low self-esteem
• Psychopathic traits
• Thrill-seeking

 Social Validation

The quest for social validation can also drive people to create fake profiles. In a world where social media metrics like likes, followers, and comments are often equated with personal worth, some individuals fabricate profiles to boost their perceived popularity. This can provide a temporary sense of accomplishment and acceptance.

 Psychological Reasons Behind It

• Insecurity masking
• Image crafting
• Approval seeking
• Comparison stress
• Popularity boost
• Perceived worth

 Anonymity and Privacy

Lastly, some individuals create fake profiles to protect their anonymity and privacy. They may wish to engage in online activities without revealing their true identities, either to avoid personal scrutiny or to express opinions they fear might be judged. This can be particularly common in online forums or platforms where sensitive topics are discussed.

 Psychological Reasons Behind It

• Identity shield
• Avoid scrutiny
• Opinion freedom
• Sensitive topics
• Privacy protection
• Judgment fear

How to Detect Fake Identities Online?

You will be surprised to know that Bumble and Tinder were the most used fee-based dating platforms among U.S. users as of March 2023. Moreover, In 2022, Tinder had 13.8 million downloads, and Bumble had 10.7 million. This shows that the world is shifting towards the digital side. 

People are also exploring their options online rather than waiting to meet someone at a random place or get introduced by a mutual friend or family member. With more people shifting towards online dating apps, many users and scammers are taking advantage of these platforms to fulfill their personal desires, whether it’s to find another girlfriend or scam people for financial gains. However, like all human beings, there are certain patterns in the behavior of fake profiles that can easily be detected with just a little attention.

1. Fake Personal information:

When diving into online dating, it’s really important to spot signs of fake personal information to avoid getting hurt or tricked. People with fake profiles often use made-up names, pretend they have impressive jobs or accomplishments, and lie about where they live. By being aware of these red flags, you can protect yourself from falling for someone who isn’t who they claim to be.

Common Expressions They Use to Cover Their Lies

• I’m very private about my personal life online
• My previous relationship made me cautious about sharing too much online.
• I lost my phone and all my pictures with it.
• I work in a confidential field, so I can’t share much about my job.
• I don’t feel comfortable sharing more personal details until we know each other better

2. They Sound Busy 

When someone you’re talking to online always sounds busy, it can be a sign that something isn’t quite right. They might frequently say they have a packed schedule, travel a lot for work, or have constant emergencies. While it’s normal for people to be busy sometimes, if they never seem to have time for a real conversation, a video call, or to meet in person, it could be a red flag. This might be a tactic to avoid deeper connections or to hide something about their true identity.

Common Expressions They Use to Cover Their Lies

• I have family commitments that keep me tied up.
• My schedule is packed with meetings.
• I’m working on a tight deadline.
• I have to take care of some urgent personal matters.
• My job requires me to be on call all the time.

3. New or Recently Created Social Media Profile 

In today’s digital era, where even grandmas and grandpas have Facebook and Instagram profiles, it would be quite odd if your online date didn’t have any social media accounts. 

If they do share their social media details with you, but you notice they have very few friends, hardly any photos, and almost nothing on their timeline, it could be a red flag. There’s no evidence of the trips they claim to have taken, no business travel photos, and not even pictures of the pet they often mention. This lack of activity and information might indicate that the profile is fake.

Genuine people usually have a longer online history, with posts, pictures, and interactions that span several years. If you notice that their profile was created just a few weeks or months ago, it could be a sign that they’re trying to hide something or aren’t being honest about who they are. 

Common Expressions They Will Use if You Ask About Their Social Media Accounts:

• I’m not really into social media; I find it distracting.
• I recently deleted a lot of my old posts and photos.
• I just started this new account and haven’t had time to update it yet.
• I’m a very private person and don’t like to share much online

4. Attached to You Very Soon 

 Real relationships take time to grow, like a fine wine or a good cheese. But a fake profile? They’ll be declaring their undying love before you’ve even figured out if you have any common interests. 

 This can be a tactic to build trust quickly and lower your defenses. They might shower you with compliments, talk about future plans together, or claim to feel a deep connection right away.

Common Expressions They Will Use

• I’ve never felt this way about anyone so quickly.”
• “You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
• “I can see a future with you.”
• “I’ve never connected with someone like this before.”
• “You make me so happy already.”
• “I can’t stop thinking about you.

5. Asking You for Deeply Personal Information

Imagine meeting someone at a coffee shop, and within minutes, they’re grilling you about your home address, financial details, and your mother’s maiden name. It’s a bit much, right? Well, the same rules apply online. If someone you’ve just met is prying into your personal life, it’s a major red flag. They might not be looking for love but for your credit card number. It’s important to protect your personal information and not share too much too soon, ensuring that your online interactions remain safe and respectful.

Common Expressions They Will Use

• If we’re serious about each other, we should be open and share everything.
• I just want to make sure we’re both real. Can you tell me more about your personal life?
• To make sure our profiles are genuine, let’s exchange some personal information.

6.No Digital Footprints

In the age of the internet, you can even find pictures of your neighborhood pet cat that they take on their trip. So, when your online date has no digital footprint, it doesn’t add up.  Even if they claim to value their privacy, most people still leave some digital trails. You might notice inconsistencies, like mentioning trips or events that aren’t documented online, or talking about a pet with no photos to back it up.  

Common Expression They will use:

• I value my privacy and prefer not to share much online
• My friends and family prefer to keep their online lives private too.”
• “I’m not very tech-savvy and don’t use the internet much.
• I had a bad experience online, so I keep a low profile now.
• My job requires me to stay off social media for confidentiality reasons

7. Avoiding Video Calls

In an age where even your sister’s 3-year-old toddler can FaceTime your mom, it’s highly suspicious if someone consistently finds reasons to dodge face-to-face interactions.  Genuine people usually have no issue hopping on a quick video call to connect more personally. 

However, a fake profile might offer various reasons to avoid this, such as claiming their camera is broken, saying they’re too busy, or mentioning they’re in a place with a poor internet connection.

Common Expression They Will Use:

• The internet connection here is terrible.
• I’m not comfortable with video calls.
• I’m traveling and don’t have access to a good device.
• I’m really camera-shy.

8. Avoiding Physical Meetups

Spotting a fake dating profile can be tricky, but one big red flag is if your online love interest always dodges physical meetups. In the world of real romance, people usually can’t wait to meet up and take things offline. But if your date keeps coming up with excuses, then something seems fishy. Genuine relationships involve transparency and a real desire to meet. So, if your online crush is acting like a ghost when it comes to meeting in person, consider it a major hint that they might not be who they say they are.

Common Expression They Will Use:

• My schedule is so unpredictable right now.
• I need to take care of a sick relative.
• I have an important event that I can’t miss.
• I’m really shy and need more time to feel comfortable meeting in person.
• Let’s wait until things calm down a bit; my life is a bit chaotic right now.

9. No Candid Photos

If you go through somebody’s profile, you will always find one or two candid photos that will give you a glimpse of their real self. Even celebrities have hundreds of candid photos online. 

So, When you’re on the lookout for a fake dating profile, one big clue is the lack of candid photos. Real people have a mix of posed and spontaneous snapshots, think goofy group selfies, mid-laughter captures, and those charmingly awkward family vacation pics. These little gems give you a peek into their real lives and personalities.

But with a fake profile, it’s a different story. You’ll probably find only a handful of pictures that look suspiciously like they belong in a magazine or were stolen from a model’s portfolio. If every photo looks like it was taken by a professional photographer or there’s a glaring absence of every day, unpolished moments, your internal alarms should start ringing.

10. Poor English or Bad Grammar

 Poor English or bad grammar can be a significant red flag. While everyone makes occasional typos, consistent spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, or incorrect use of words might indicate that the person is not who they claim to be. This could be a sign that the profile is run by someone from a different country trying to scam you, or simply by someone not invested enough to present themselves genuinely.

11. Few Friends or Followers on Social Media

In today’s connected world, most people have gathered a considerable number of friends or followers over time. If you notice that someone’s profile has very few connections, it might suggest that the account is newly created or not genuine. Let’s say they’re very private but still enjoy liking and commenting on their favorite celebrity or friends’ posts.

 If you see no activity on their social media account, it likely means this isn’t their real account. Even private people usually leave some signs of life online. If their profile is completely inactive, it’s a sign that this is their fake profile or they have not shared their real social media accounts with you. 

Common Expression They Will Use 

• I’m just not that into sharing my life online.
• I only use this account for a few close friends.
• I spend more time on other platforms, this one is just for browsing.

12. Asking for Money

One of the biggest red flags for a fake dating profile is when they ask for money. Scammers often build up trust and emotional connection before hitting you with a sob story. They might claim they need money for an emergency, like a medical procedure, travel expenses to come see you, or some personal crisis. These stories can be super convincing, especially if you’ve been chatting for a while and feel a connection.

But let’s be real: someone who genuinely cares about you isn’t going to ask for money, especially if you’ve never met in person.

Common Expression They Will Use:

• I need money for a sudden medical emergency.
• I want to come visit you, but I can’t afford the travel expenses right now.
• My account got frozen, and I need a small loan to get by.
• I have a great investment opportunity, but I need some cash upfront

13. They Brag too Much About Their Life 

A big hint that you’re dealing with a fake dating profile is when someone brags non-stop about their amazing life. If they’re always talking about their fancy trips, incredible job, or luxurious stuff, but you can’t find any proof online, it’s time to raise an eyebrow. 

Even celebrities have insecurities and issues, so if someone’s life seems too perfect, it’s probably not real. Only fictional characters have picture-perfect lives. In the real world, everyone has ups and downs, even those who seem to have it all. If your online date’s profile is filled with flawless photos, endless success stories, and zero signs of struggle, it’s likely a facade. Nobody’s life is without a little chaos or a few bumps along the way.

Common Expressions They Will Use If you Ask for Proof 

• I only share the positive parts of my life.
• I have a personal motto to always stay positive.
• I don’t think social media is the place for my issues.
• I believe in keeping my private life private.
• I just focus on the good things and let go of the bad.
• I’m a very private person and only show the highlights

How to Avoid Fake Online Profiles?

In 2011, Thomas Gibson, known for his role on “Criminal Minds,” became a victim of a fake online profile. He engaged in an online affair, believing he was communicating with a woman who sent him fake photos. The woman used to send him photos of a porn star. Gibson responded with explicit images of his own, which she used to blackmail him. 

It shows that even famous celebrities are sometimes targeted by scammers and blackmailers via fake online profiles. You will be surprised to know that In the first half of 2023, 50% of individuals who reported financial losses from online romance scams indicated that the fraud began on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. In 2022, nearly 70,000 consumers reported romance scams to the FTC. As the old proverb wisely says, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” To ensure you don’t fall prey to dating scams in the future, here are a few savvy steps you can take. 

• Create profiles on the apps that offer verification features
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Keep your personal details under wraps.
•  If something feels off, don’t be shy, ask probing questions and verify any details that raise red flags.
• Before diving into anything serious with a potential match, discuss your suspicions with a trusted friend.
• Amp up your online security by updating your privacy settings and creating robust passwords.
• Equip yourself with top-notch cybersecurity software. I
• Do some background research on the person you just met online using websites like Truth Scouts before starting some serious relationship.

Final Words:

While online dating can be a thrilling adventure, staying vigilant and proactive is essential to protect yourself from fake profiles and scams. By safeguarding your personal information, conducting thorough research, seeking advice from trusted friends, and investing in strong cybersecurity measures, you can navigate the dating world with confidence and peace of mind.