Dating app safety: spot romance scams and report them in the UK

Most people you meet on a dating app are exactly who they say they are. But dating apps also attract scammers and, occasionally, people who mean harm. A few simple habits protect you without making dating feel like an investigation. This guide covers dating app safety from the first chat to the first date: how to spot a romance scam, how to protect your personal details, and where to report problems in the UK.

How romance scams usually work

A romance scam is a fraud where someone builds an emotional relationship online in order to get money, gifts or personal information. The story changes from one scammer to the next, but the pattern is very similar.

1. A perfect match appears. Attractive photos, a flattering message and a lot of attention, very quickly.
2. The chat moves off the app. They ask to continue on WhatsApp, Telegram or by email, often “because I’m rarely on here”.
3. Meeting is always impossible. They work on an oil rig, in the army abroad, on a ship or as a doctor overseas. Video calls never work.
4. Intense feelings, fast. Talk of love, a future together or “destiny” within days or weeks.
5. A crisis or an opportunity. A medical bill, a customs fee, a frozen bank account, a plane ticket to visit you – or a “can’t-lose” crypto investment they want to share.
6. Pressure and secrecy. Requests to keep it between you, to act quickly, or to send money in ways that are hard to trace, such as gift cards, crypto or transfers to a third party.

Red flags to watch for

• Photos that look like a model shoot, with no casual or group pictures.
• Their profile is almost empty, or their story doesn’t add up from one message to the next.
• They avoid video calls or always have an excuse when you suggest meeting.
• Their spelling, tone or time zone changes suddenly – sometimes a sign that several people are writing.
• They ask personal questions about your finances, home or family, but share very little about themselves.
• They mention money in any form, even as a small favour or an investment tip.

One red flag doesn’t prove anything. Several together are a clear signal to slow down, stop sending personal information and, if money has been mentioned, stop the conversation.

Check whether a profile is genuine

• Reverse image search. Upload a profile photo to a reverse image search tool. If it appears under different names, it is almost certainly stolen.
• Look for verification. Many apps offer photo or video verification and show a badge on verified profiles. Check what the badge means in the app’s help pages.
• Suggest a short video call. Real people looking for a date are usually happy to do one. Repeated excuses tell you a lot.

Protect your personal information

• Use your first name only, and don’t show your workplace, street or children’s school in photos.
• Keep chatting inside the app until you have met; apps can only act on reports about conversations they can see.
• Don’t share your home address, financial details, passwords or verification codes – ever.
• Be careful with photos you send. Anything you send can be saved and shared.
• Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-step verification where the app offers it.

Staying safe on the first date

• Meet in a busy public place such as a café or pub, not at someone’s home.
• Tell a friend where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to be home. Some phones and apps let you share your live location for a set time.
• Arrange your own transport both ways, and keep your phone charged.
• Watch your drink and keep alcohol moderate. If you feel unwell suddenly, ask the staff for help.
• Trust your instincts. You can leave at any time, for any reason. Many UK venues support the “Ask for Angela” scheme, where you can discreetly ask staff for help.

For relaxed, public options, see our first date ideas.

Where to report in the UK

Report the profile in the app

Every major app has a report or block function on the profile or inside the chat. Use it even if you’re not sure: it helps the app remove fake accounts before they reach someone else. Take screenshots of the profile and messages first, as they may disappear once the account is removed.

Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Report Fraud

The national service for reporting fraud and cyber crime used to be called Action Fraud. Since December 2025 it has been replaced by Report Fraud, run by the City of London Police. You can report online at reportfraud.police.uk or by phone on 0300 123 2040. Your bank may ask for the crime reference number if you try to recover money.

Fraud in Scotland: Police Scotland

Report Fraud does not cover Scotland. If you live in Scotland, report fraud and cyber crime to Police Scotland by calling 101.

Emergencies and threats

If you are in danger or a crime is happening now, call 999. For non-emergency crimes such as harassment or threats after a date, call 101 anywhere in the UK.

If you have sent money

Contact your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card, or call 159, which connects you to many UK banks’ fraud teams. The sooner the bank knows, the better the chance of stopping or recovering a payment. Then report it as described above.

If it happens to you

Romance scams are designed by professionals to exploit trust, and they catch clever, careful people every day. There is no reason to feel ashamed. Stop all contact, don’t send any more money – including to anyone who later offers to “recover” your losses for a fee – and talk to someone you trust. Report Fraud can also point victims towards support services.

Choosing a service with verification tools and active moderation also helps. Our guide on how to choose a dating app explains what to look for.