How to Spot a Dating Scammer: Free Check
Met someone on Instagram, a dating app, or in chat — and something feels off? Try the free Dating Safety Check in Telegram: 17 questions about how the other person behaves, about 2 minutes. You'll see which signals match typical romance scam patterns, what looks healthy, and what you can do to stay safe.
2 minutesfreeanonymouslywe don't look anything up about the person
Take the Dating Safety Check in Telegram
13 signs worth noticing
Love bombing is a common first step: intense emotions quickly lower your guard.
Off the platform there's no moderation or reporting, and it's easier to delete the chat.
A video call is the simplest way to check that a person is who they say they are.
Fake profiles are often built from other people's attractive photos, with no real-life backstory.
Stories like these explain why you can't meet in person and lay the groundwork for a request for help.
The "romance + investment" scam is one of the costliest: the money goes to fake platforms.
A request for money from someone you've never met in person is the biggest red flag for a scam.
This is how people get pulled into schemes where you end up being the one held responsible (money mule schemes).
No one but you needs your SMS code or card details. They're used to steal money and accounts.
One fake backstory is often run with dozens of people — the details get mixed up.
The rush is there so you don't have time to think or ask anyone for advice.
Friends and family looking in from outside quickly notice something is off, which is why scammers try to cut them out.
If someone lives nearby but can't meet up for months, it's worth asking yourself why.
What looks healthy
- We had a video call, and the person matches their photos
- You can meet in person or have mutual friends
- Respects your boundaries and pace
- Their stories about themselves are consistent
How to check a photo yourself
- Google Lens: save the photo from the profile → open lens.google.com or the Google app → camera icon → upload the photo → check the “Matches” and the sites where it appears.
- Reverse image search: go to lens.google.com (Google Lens) or tineye.com → upload the photo → check the visual matches and the sites where the image appears.
- If the same photos show up under other names, on stock photo sites, or belong to a model or blogger, that's a serious red flag.
If the money has already been sent
- Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card: report the fraud, ask them to dispute or block the transaction, and block your card. The faster you act, the better your chances.
- Report the profile on the platform (dating app, Instagram, Telegram) — that helps get it blocked faster.
- Save the chat history, payment details and receipts, and report it to the police or your local emergency number.
- Don't pay anyone who promises to "get your money back" for a fee. That's a common second wave of fraud.
Privacy
We don't ask for the other person's name, link, phone number, or photo, and we don't look anything up about them. If you add a snippet of a conversation, phone numbers, card numbers, emails, and links are removed before analysis; the text itself isn't saved — only the detected signals are kept.
Marriage and romance scammers: how the schemes work → · “First Dates” test for couples →
FAQ
How can you tell if a new acquaintance is a scammer?
No single signal proves a scam, but warning signs add up: requests for money, codes, or "investments," refusing video calls, rushing, and secrecy. Check their photos with a reverse image search (Google Lens or TinEye) and insist on a video call.
Do I need to send a profile link or a photo of the person?
No. The check only asks questions about the other person's behavior and doesn't search for anything about them.
What should I do if I've already sent the money?
Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card: report the fraud, ask them to dispute or block the transaction, and block your card. The faster you act, the better your chances.
Is it free?
Yes, the check is completely free.
The tests are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not a medical or psychological diagnosis. If you're struggling, please reach out to a professional. To find a local crisis line in your country, visit findahelpline.com (free, worldwide).