Fake profiles happen on every dating app—and yes, you’ve probably matched one. Rumors that Tinder pads its numbers with fake accounts still pop up, but there’s no credible evidence the company creates bogus profiles. With scams getting smarter and verification getting stricter, here’s what actually changed and how to spot trouble fast.
TL;DR
- Learn telltale signs (money asks, crypto pitches, link drops, video-call dodging) and report quickly
- Tinder doesn’t create fake accounts or fake matches; scammers and bots do
- Verification got tougher: video selfie checks and new “Face Check” pilots in 2025 reduce impersonation
- Bots and scams have surged industry-wide, with major increases in romance-fraud losses
- Match Group removes hundreds of thousands of fake accounts each year
Does Tinder Create Fake Accounts?
Anyone who’s dipped their toe into the world of dating apps has come across a fake profile or a bot. If you think you haven’t, look closer—it’s almost guaranteed at least one was fake. But who’s making these fake accounts and why? Some people claim Tinder itself makes them to keep users hooked, but that’s false. Tinder doesn’t create fake accounts. That would be malicious, illegal, and disastrous for business. Tinder’s policies focus on removing imposters and encouraging users to report suspicious profiles. In 2025, it even expanded biometric checks to fight impersonation. Fake profiles annoy users and drive them to other dating apps, which is the last thing Tinder wants. So if Tinder isn’t behind them, who is?
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What Percentage of Tinder Profiles Are Fake?
It’s tough to know the exact percentage of fake Tinder profiles. Many fake accounts go inactive quickly or vanish once scammers get what they want. Studies and security reports show a rise in bots and scams across all dating platforms, and as the biggest app, Tinder naturally attracts the most attention. Older estimates suggested around 10% of profiles might be fake, but that number likely fluctuates. Male profiles are more often fake than female ones, and the most common fake age listed is 36. Whatever the number, the key takeaway is this: fake profiles exist, but Tinder continually improves detection and verification to remove them.
What’s the Point of Fake Tinder Profiles?
There are two main reasons people create fake profiles: money and sex. Scammers exploit users looking for love, often convincing them to send money or invest in fraudulent “crypto” opportunities. Others use fake profiles to catfish for attention or validation. A major 2025 trend is the rise of “pig-butchering” scams—long-term romance frauds that move from dating apps to messaging platforms and fake investment sites.
These schemes use polished personas and emotional manipulation to extract money. It’s cruel, calculated, and unfortunately growing. So why doesn’t Tinder just block them all? While Tinder invests heavily in moderation and AI, scammers evolve constantly. The company’s 2025 safety updates include enhanced photo and ID verification and stricter removal systems for suspicious accounts.
A more cynical man than myself might suggest that Tinder wants you to subscribe to their unlimited package so that you can swipe all day long.
Having fake profiles means there are more profiles for you to swipe, making you more likely to continue with one of the premium services.
But I wouldn’t possibly suggest that…
Does Tinder Create Fake Matches?
So if Tinder doesn’t make fake profiles, does it create fake matches? No. Tinder doesn’t create fake matches or manipulate swipes. The only way that could happen would be through control of fake or hacked profiles, which would be illegal. Tinder’s algorithm simply shows you users you’re most likely to match with. Newer AI safety tools now detect potentially harmful or spammy behavior—but they don’t fake anything. Their goal is to keep conversations safer and authentic.
How to Spot a Fake Tinder Profile
- Talks about money, crypto, or investments early on
- Avoids video calls or pushes to move to Telegram or WhatsApp
- Sends random links or asks for gift cards
- Has perfect photos that look inconsistent across images
- Uses urgency or emotional manipulation (“I need help fast”)
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake
- Report the account directly through Tinder’s app menu
- Never send money or share financial details
- Take screenshots of chats or payment requests before blocking
- Contact your bank or local consumer agency if you’ve lost money
FAQ
Does Tinder make fake accounts or fake matches?
No. Scammers and bots create fake profiles, not Tinder. The app focuses on removal and verification to reduce impersonation.
Why do I see more scammers lately?
Scammers follow trends. As dating apps grow, so do fraud attempts. It’s a global issue, not unique to Tinder.
Are verification badges worth caring about?
Yes. Photo and ID verification make it harder for fakes to thrive. In some areas, Tinder now tests mandatory video checks for new users.
What is a pig-butchering scam and does it happen on Tinder?
It’s a long-term scam where someone pretends to fall in love, then pushes fake investments or crypto deals. It often starts on dating apps and moves to private chat platforms.
Is Tinder getting safer or worse?
Both. Verification and AI moderation improve every year, but scammers keep finding new tricks. Stay cautious and verify before trusting.
What’s the single best way to avoid a catfish?
Ask for a quick video call early on. Real people can do that—fakes usually can’t.
