How to spot fake profiles, bots and scams on apps to meet people
· Callumbra
On any site for meeting people there are real people with good intentions, but also fake profiles, bots and scammers. The good news is they almost always follow the same patterns. If you know them, it's much harder to be fooled.
Signs you're talking to a bot
- It replies very fast with long messages that have nothing to do with what you said.
- It repeats similar phrases even when you change the subject.
- It sends you a link to another page or app within the first few messages.
- On a video chat, the camera is black, shows a still image or a video that doesn't react to what you say.
Signs of a fake profile
- Professional-looking photos, all very perfect, and none casual.
- They keep avoiding turning on the camera with excuses.
- Their story changes: one day they live in one place and the next day somewhere else.
- They want to move very quickly to another app or a private number.
The most common scams
- Asking for money for an emergency, a ticket or a family problem, almost always after winning your trust.
- Offering «safe» investments or cryptocurrencies.
- Asking for a code you received by SMS: with it they can steal your WhatsApp or bank account.
- Asking for intimate photos or videos and then threatening to publish them (sextortion).
What to do if something doesn't add up
- Don't send money or codes, even if the story sounds believable.
- End the conversation and block the person.
- Use the site's report button so it gets reviewed and doesn't happen to others.
- If you're threatened, don't pay: keep screenshots and get help from the police in your country.
How Callumbra handles it
On Callumbra the camera must be on to connect, it's 18+ only and the «Report or block» button is visible during the call. Every report is reviewed by a person on the team, and the reported person doesn't know who reported them. Video calls are not recorded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm talking to a bot on a video chat?
The clearest sign is the camera: a bot usually shows a still image, a recorded video or nothing. If it also sends links as soon as the conversation starts, hang up and report it.
What do I do if someone asks me for money?
Don't send it, even if the story is convincing. Hang up, block and report the profile.