Latest Hinge Scams: How To Identify a Hinge Scammer

Hinge has features and guidelines designed to keep users safe. These include reminders that encourage users to be careful and features such as reporting, removing, unmatching, or blocking accounts that seem suspicious. 

However, despite these checks in place, there are various scammers operating on the platform aiming to exploit innocent people and deprive them of their finances or sensitive information.  In this guide, we will discuss all about the latest Hinge scams and how to identify a scammer. 

It’s important to keep in mind that while there may be dishonest individuals, there are also sincere users seeking genuine connections. By taking sensible precautions, you can enhance safety and make your experience using the app more secure and enjoyable.

Can You Get Scammed on Hinge?

Yes, just like other websites, dating apps such as Hinge also have abundant scammers. Hinge tries to ensure user safety by verifying profiles and maintaining a safe chatting environment, but there are people who often bypass these guidelines by Hinge. 

Scammers try to solicit sensitive personal information from users and might even attempt to commit financial fraud. It’s really important to be careful while talking to people on Hinge and not give out too much information immediately to someone you have just started talking to. 

Are There Scammers Hiding on Hinge?

Yes, there exist various scammers hiding on Hinge just like all other dating platforms. They showcase themselves as genuine Hinge users and try to establish trust early on to lure their victims. It’s always advisable to stay safe on Hinge and not let these scammers extort money or information from you. 

What Are Hinge Scams? How Do They Work?

Hinge scams come in various forms but usually revolve around deceitful tactics used to persuade Hinge users into sharing personal information, giving financial details, or compromising their safety and security.

There are several common types of scams on Hinge and their methods:

• Catfishing: Scammers fabricate fake profiles using stolen or false identities. They often use appealing photos to build trust through conversations and then ask you to divulge your financial information or personal details. 
• Phishing: Scammers may send messages pretending to be Hinge support or other users, guiding individuals to click on harmful links. These links can direct to counterfeit websites aiming to steal login details or install malicious software on the victim’s device.
• Financial scams: Some scammers manipulate emotions or fabricate stories to solicit money. They may claim a financial emergency or urgent need for funds. 
• Blackmail or extortion: Scammers might engage users in intimate or compromising conversations or ask them to exchange private photos and then threaten to expose this information unless a ransom is paid.

 Here’s how a typical Hinge scam might usually unfold:

• Create a fake profile: Scammers often create fake profiles using attractive photos and witty prompts to seem interesting. 
• Engaging in conversation:  Once the scammer matches with someone on Hinge, they start a conversation. They may use charming or flattering language to quickly build rapport and gain the trust of their target.
• Moving off Hinge: After establishing a connection, scammers often try to move the conversation away from the dating app. They might ask for the victim’s phone number or suggest communicating through other social media or email. 
• Build trust: Scammers work on building a sense of trust and emotional connection with their target. They might share personal stories or information to appear more genuine and establish an emotional bond. 
• Ask for money:  Eventually, the scammer introduces a false story to showcase an urgent need for money. They might fake a family emergency, medical bills, or some other unfortunate situation, and ask the victim for financial assistance.
• Disappear: Once the scammer gets what they want they disappear and vanish with your money or personal information. They might stop responding to messages or delete their fake profile. 

How To Identify a Hinge Scammer: Warning Signs

Here are some signs to watch out for scammers on Hinge: 

• Scammers often create profiles that look too good, with very nice pictures that might seem fake.
•  They might try to move things along really quickly, saying they have strong feelings or love too soon. Be careful if they push to talk on other apps too fast.
•  Scammers often make excuses to avoid video calls or meeting in person. If they always avoid this, it could be a warning sign.
• They might ask for money or personal details early on. Be cautious if they tell sob stories and ask for money suddenly.
• Look out for inconsistencies in their profile information and the story they tell you through messages. 
• Scammers might try to make you feel bad or push you to do things you don’t want to, like sharing private information or private photos. 
• You can use tools like Google Image Search to see if their pictures show up somewhere else online. If the same pics are linked to different names or profiles, it’s likely a scam.
• If you’re unsure, look them up online, check social media, and see if what they’ve told you matches up.

The 5 Latest Hinge Scams To Watch Out For

1. Cryptocurrency investment scams

Cryptocurrency investment scams are common on dating apps like Hinge. The scammer takes advantage of people’s limited understanding of cryptocurrency trading and their aspiration to generate quick profits. 

Here’s an explanation of how the cryptocurrency scams typically unfold:

• Building trust: Scammers initiate connections on Hinge and create a sense of familiarity with their targets. 
• Offer guidance:  They offer to educate the victim about cryptocurrency trading, presenting it as a profitable venture.
• Fabricate evidence: To gain the victim’s confidence, scammers may send images or screenshots of purported cryptocurrency trading accounts, displaying substantial earnings.
• Redirecting to fraudulent platforms: The scammer persuades the victim to use a specific cryptocurrency exchange platform, often claiming it’s a “special” service. 
• False profits and charges: Victims are encouraged to invest in cryptocurrencies through this dubious exchange. Initially, the victim may see apparent profits in their account, manipulated by the scammer. To continue, victims are urged to invest more funds. However, as earnings accumulate, the scammer notifies the victim of unexpected fees, taxes, or charges required for withdrawing profits or accessing funds.
• Exorbitant fees and tax requests: The scammer insists that the victim needs to pay substantial fees or taxes to withdraw the profits. They exert pressure, citing various reasons to justify these charges.
• Loss of investment:  As victims start making these payments, they realize the promised profits cannot be retrieved. The scammer vanishes, leaving the victim with substantial financial losses and no means to recover the invested money.

Next time someone urges you to invest in cryptocurrency, watch out for these signs and report to Hinge if you feel you are interacting with a scammer. 

2. Claims of being in the military or working overseas

On Hinge individuals often purport to be in the military or pretend to working overseas. These are unfortunately prevalent tactics used by scammers to exploit victims and gain their trust or sympathy.  They make up stories to trick people into sending them money or gifts.

When scammers pretend to be in the military or working overseas, it can make their lies seem more believable. They might say they need money urgently for things like medical expenses, problems with banking, or to help their family.

It’s really important to be careful when talking to people online, especially if they start asking for money. Real members of the military usually don’t ask strangers for money online. They have strict rules about money matters.

To stay safe, try to check if the person is who they say they are by asking questions and being cautious about sharing personal or financial information online. If something seems suspicious, report it to the authorities or the website where you met the person to protect others from falling for the same scams.

3. Requests for money to help with personal or medical issues

If someone you’ve met online, especially on a dating website, asks you for money or financial help citing personal or medical issues, it’s a warning sign. Don’t send money or share your financial details with someone you’ve just met online, no matter what stories they tell you. You can also advise them to seek help from family, friends, or other professionals who can help them.  Whatever, you do make sure to avoid sending them money.  

4. Blackmail by using sensitive photos and videos

Hinge scammers often lure their victims by urging them to send private photos and then use these sensitive photos and videos to blackmail them. The scammers often resort to sextortion by threatening to make a person’s sensitive photos or videos public if money is not paid to them. 

Here’s how to avoid falling prey to sextortion scams on Hinge:

• Avoid sharing sensitive content such as your photos or videos.  It’s crucial to refrain from sharing compromising photos or videos with someone you’ve recently met online, even if they seem trustworthy.
• When possible, try to confirm the person’s identity through video calls or other methods before sharing personal information or becoming deeply involved.
•  If you feel uneasy or doubtful about someone’s intentions, or if they pressure you to share your compromising photos,  trust your instincts and stop all communication with that person.
•  Hinge offers features to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior. If someone on the app pressures you or makes you uncomfortable, report their profile immediately.

Remember, dating apps can be a great way to meet new people, but your safety should be a priority. If you encounter suspicious behavior or feel threatened, don’t hesitate to seek help from Hinge’s support team or authorities. 

5. Links to fake websites, paid services, or malicious downloads

If someone you have met on Hinge urges you to click a link to a website, do not do so as they might be directing you to fake websites, paid services, or malicious downloads. Here’s what you need to do whenever you receive a link to a website on Hinge:

• If you receive an unexpected link, especially from someone you know, double-check with them through another communication method, like messaging on the platform or using a different app, to verify if they genuinely sent it.  
• Prior to clicking on any link, hover over it to view the actual URL it directs to. Ensure it matches the expected website. Watch out for spelling errors, unusual characters, or suspicious domains.
•  Install and update reliable antivirus and anti-malware programs on your devices regularly. These tools often come with web protection features that can identify potential threats before you access risky websites.
• Enable 2-factor authentication whenever possible, especially for important accounts like email, social media, and banking. 

Did You Get Scammed on Hinge? Here’s What To Do

How to report a scammer or bot account on Hinge:

Hinge places great importance on ensuring user safety and security. Sharing correct details and promptly reporting any suspicious accounts significantly contributes to creating a safer environment for all users on the platform. 

Here’s how to report a scammer or bot account on Hinge through the HInge app:

• Login to your Hinge account using your credentials. 
• Locate the user’s profile who you think is a scammer or bot. You can find the profile either in your matches section or browse through profiles in the Discover tab. 
• On their profile, locate the “three-dots” in the top right corner of your screen and choose “report” from the options. 

• Complete the process by selecting the reason for reporting. 

Please note reporting is a permanent action and once you report the account neither you will be able to see the user’s profile nor the other person will see yours. 

Users can also use the Hinge’s contact support system to report a scammer outside of the Hinge app. Here’s what you need to do:

• Contact the Hinge’s support bot. 
• Mention the details about the scammer such as their name, photos, prompts, bio, Facebook information, contact details, or any other details you may have. Give as much information as possible and also add screenshots to solidify your case. 
• Wait for Hinge’s team to solve the issue and if successful Hinge will take action against the scammer and may even ban their account not only from Hinge but prevent them from having an account on other similar dating apps. 

What to do if you gave a Hinge scammer personal information:

If you believe you’ve mistakenly shared personal details with someone on Hinge who may be attempting to scam you, it’s important to take immediate steps to safeguard yourself.  Remember, taking swift action when you suspect you’ve shared personal information with a potential scammer is crucial. Acting promptly can help reduce risks and safeguard yourself from identity theft or financial harm.

Here are some actions you can take:

• Stop all contact:  Stop talking to the individual right away and block or report their profile on Hinge to prevent any further contact with them. 
• Monitor your accounts: If the scammer solicited any sensitive financial information from you, then keep a close watch on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any unusual activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, inform your financial institution immediately to prevent the scammer from manipulating your finances. 
• Change your passwords: Update the passwords for your email, social media accounts, and any other accounts whose information you gave to the scammer. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and even consider using a password manager for added security.
• Contact Hinge support: Inform Hinge’s support team about the situation. They may have specific procedures to deal with scams and can take action against the scammer.  
• Report to authorities: If you suspect your personal information might be misused for fraud or identity theft, consider filing a report with your local law enforcement or relevant authorities to be saved from the commission of such crimes against you. 

What to do if you sent money to a Hinge scammer through your bank:

If you have transferred money to someone you suspect is a scammer after meeting them on Hinge, there are steps you can take to address the situation:

• Contact your bank straightaway: Get in touch with your bank as soon as possible and inform them about the fraudulent transaction. Provide all the necessary details, including the amount, recipient’s information, and timestamps.  Your bank might be able to stop or reverse the transaction thus saving you money from being exploited. 
• File a fraud report: Notify your bank about the fraud by the scammer and seek assistance from them in filing a fraud report. 
• Keep evidence: Preserve all your communication with the scammer including screenshots of the Hinge chat. This evidence might aid investigations or be essential if reporting the incident to law enforcement agencies.
• Reach out to Hinge support: Inform Hinge about the scammer operating on their platform. They could take measures against the scammer, such as banning their account or cautioning other users.
• Report the scam: Consider reporting the incident to cyber investigative agencies in your area to seek speedy redressal of fraud committed against you. 
• Exercise caution: Refrain from sharing more information or sending additional money to anyone on Hinge. Block or report their account and immediately cease all contact with them. 
• Monitor your accounts:  Regularly check your bank accounts and review credit reports for any suspicious activity. If you suspect any suspicious transactions, immediately report them to the relevant authorities. 

It’s important to acknowledge that recovering money sent to scammers can be challenging. However, taking prompt action by contacting your bank and relevant authorities can help minimize further harm and potentially prevent others from falling prey to similar scams.

What to do if you sent money to a Hinge scammer through a payment app:

Here’s what you need to do to send money to a Hinge scammer through a payment app:

• Stop engaging with the scammer immediately. 
• Report their account to Hinge either through the in-app support system or through Hinge’s contact support team. 
• Report the fraudulent transaction to the payment app’s support or customer service. Most payment apps have procedures for reporting fraudulent activities or unauthorized transactions. Provide comprehensive details such as the transaction date, time, amount, recipient’s information, and any relevant chat history.
•  If the payment app is connected to your bank account or card, inform your bank or financial institution about the unauthorized transaction. 
• Consider reporting the incident to law enforcement or relevant authorities. 
•  Regularly monitor your bank statements and accounts for any suspicious activities. Consider setting up alerts to notify you of transactions on your accounts.

What to do if you sent gift cards to a Hinge scammer:

• Immediately stop all communication with the scammer. 
•  Inform Hinge or any other platform where the interaction occurred. These platforms usually have measures in place to handle scammers and safeguard others from becoming victims.
• Reach out to the company that issued the gift cards, such as iTunes or Amazon. Explain the scam situation and provide them with any necessary details they might request.
• Report the scam to the relevant authorities like consumer protection agencies or cyber investigative agencies in your country. Share as much information as possible about the scammer.
• Spread awareness about these scams and make sure to not become a victim of such scams again. 

What to do if you invested money through a fake cryptocurrency exchange:

If you have invested money through a fake cryptocurrency exchange, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any financial harm to yourself. First, gather all your chats, transaction details, and any info about the person and the exchange. Then, tell your local police and cybercrime division, giving them the proof you’ve got. Additionally, contact the authorities dealing with financial fraud and cryptocurrency cybercrime. 

Moreover, let Hinge know about the dishonest person you met on their app, asking them to stop others from getting scammed. Lastly, get advice from a finance expert or lawyer who knows about cryptocurrency scams to try to get your money back and stay safe from future scams.

How To Protect Yourself Against Hinge Scammers

Protecting yourself against scammers on dating apps like Hinge involves being cautious and steering clear of scammers as much as possible:

• Check verification: Verified profiles on Hinge get a purple-colored batch showcasing that the profiles belong to genuine users. Look for the verification icon to know the authenticity of a profile.

• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information:  Refrain from sharing sensitive information like your address, financial details, or any other personal data until you’ve built a level of trust with the person.
• Do not take conversation outside Hinge: Keep your communication within the Hinge app’s messaging system initially. Avoid switching to text messaging or other social media too soon. 
• Do a reverse image search: If you’re suspicious about someone’s profile picture, try using reverse image search tools like Google Images to check if the photo is being used elsewhere on the internet.
• Video chat or phone calls: Have a video call or phone conversation before meeting in person. This can help verify the person’s identity and intentions. If the person is steering clear of phone or video calls, they are probably a scammer. 
• Meet in public the first time: When meeting someone for the first time, choose a public place. Inform a friend or family member about your plans and location.
• Be wary of requests for money: Never send money or financial information to someone you’ve just met online, regardless of the reasons they provide. Scammers often create emotional stories to solicit money and its always best to not trust people on Hinge with money. 
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect someone is a scammer, report their profile to the app’s support team. This helps protect other users from falling victim to the same scam.
• Trust your Instincts: Lastly, if something feels off or too good to be true, it’s essential to trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

Remember, scammers use various tactics to fool others on Hinge, and staying vigilant is crucial while engaging with others online. Always prioritize your safety and well-being when using dating apps or any online platforms.

Conclusion 

 Learn more about common online scams and how to identify them to avoid becoming a victim in the future. Be cautious about sharing personal details with strangers online, particularly on dating platforms.