One minute you’re flirting with your perfect match, the next you realize you’ve been talking with someone who doesn’t even exist. Catfish aren’t just an MTV thing…they’re real and thriving on Hinge. 

The good news? Spotting them on a dating app is easier than you think once you know what to look for. Here’s how to tell if your match is real or just really good at pretending:

1. Catch a Hinge catfish with just one photo.

We all love a good selfie. But if every picture looks like it belongs on the cover of Vogue, something’s off. 

Either they’re deeply committed to living like an Instagram model…or they’re borrowing photos from one. Real people mix in casual, awkward group pics, or blurry night-out snaps. 

Run a quick reverse image search (ProFaceFinder is my go-to). It’s affordable, with only $6 per 2 searches, or $10 for 7. It digs up those same “perfect” photos under fake names on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more.

It’s revealed that many dreamy photos were actually stolen. So, if their profile screams “model shoot,” double-check who you’re really talking to.

2. Their Prompts Are Vague or Just Weird

Hinge prompts are supposed to show personality: fun facts, goofy jokes, maybe even an awkward overshare. Fake profiles don’t; their answers are vague, robotic, or just plain confusing. 

Example: “This year I want to career up be a better you.” Huh? 

If it’s really that obvious, don’t waste your time. They’re either catfishing or have no personality.

3. The Conversation Gets Too Intense, Too Fast

A few messages in and they’re already talking about your “future together” or how they’ve “never felt like this before.” It’s flattering, sure, but it’s also a lie. 

Question:

• How can they feel this strongly already?
• Why the rush to get personal?
• Are they trying to distract me from the red flags?

Catfishes push emotional connection quickly to gain trust. Unlike real relationships which take time. If someone is pushing the emotional accelerator too soon, it can be anything but love.

4. They Want to Leave Hinge Immediately

Are they pushing to move the conversation off Hinge within the first few messages (WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, even a random phone number)?

Raise an eyebrow. Real matches don’t mind staying on the app for a bit. Scammers do, because it’s easier to lie and disappear once they’re off the platform.

5. They ALWAYS Have the “New Here” Hinge Label

Plenty of fake profiles on Hinge have the “New Here” label on them. At first, I thought, “Cool, maybe they’re just new to the app like me.” But then I started realizing it’s constant.

Scammers get banned all the time, but they just return with new accounts. That’s why some profiles are stuck with the “New Here” tag forever. Not everyone with that label is a scammer. But if they’re also giving off other sketchy signs…probably.

6. Their Info Just Doesn’t Add Up

At first, their profile might look fine, but then little things start feeling off. They claim to be local, yet their photos don’t match. Work, school, or personal details just don’t line up. 

Sometimes it becomes obvious: they claim one thing about their race, religion, or lifestyle, but their photos or voice prompts tell the opposite. Other times, the profile is almost empty, giving you no real sense of who they are.

Also, strange grammar, weird phrasing, and inconsistent stories usually mean they’re pretending. If details feel rushed, generic, or false, slow down and trust your gut. Ask questions, look for patterns, and don’t ignore obvious signs.

7. They’re Weirdly Into Crypto

It’s so random, it still makes me laugh. I’ve matched with people who, out of nowhere, start talking about crypto. First it’s casual: “Ever tried trading?” Then it escalates: “Invest $500 and watch it grow!” 

They act like it’s a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’re lucky to hear. And if you question it, they guilt-trip you: “You don’t trust me?” or “I was only trying to help you.”

It’s all a trap. They build-up fake emotions to get you to send money. Once you do, they’ll tell you “The money’s stuck” or they’ll push you to invest more, because this time, it’ll “work”!

Now, when a near-stranger starts pitching investments, I just step back. If they want to do me a favor, buying me a bagel would do just fine!

8. They’re Always Too Busy to Meet

You can text for weeks and feel like it’s going somewhere until every plan to meet magically falls apart. Suddenly, their phone’s broken, their Wi-Fi’s down, they’re “traveling”, or their grandma is on her third near-death experience.

Some even have the audacity to fake their death over text from a “cousin” or “friend”. At first, I was understanding. However when they could text nonstop but always had an excuse not to meet, I realized it was a cover-up.

Even Real Profiles Can Give Off Catfish Symptoms

Here’s the tricky part: not every person who checks one or two of these signs is a catfish. I’ve come across real people who had model-level photos, were actually “new here”, or even talked about crypto because they were genuinely into it.

But the key is context. Check their actions:

• Do they chat openly?
• Do their answers actually feel personal?
• Do they have normal, casual photos or just flawless ones?
• Are they pressuring you for money or private info?

If too many of these feel off, walk away. If they’re open, consistent, and act like a real person, maybe it’s worth exploring.

What to Do If You Think You’re Talking to a Hinge Catfish

It’s a gut punch when you realize someone isn’t who they said they were. I’ve been there; it feels embarrassing, confusing, even painful. But you can walk away, protect your peace, and grow from the experience.

Here’s how you can handle it:

• Stop replying. You don’t owe them closure.
• Block and report their profile to help protect others too.
• Never send money. Ever.
• Don’t share personal info. If you already did, change passwords or cancel cards.
• Save screenshots, in case you need to report or warn others.
• Talk to a friend. A fresh perspective helps.

And remember: it’s not your fault. Catfishes are professional manipulators. Take a break from swiping if you need to, and get back to online dating stronger. 

You got this!