It’s clear that Grindr was built to be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, but despite the pride colors, the app isn’t all rainbows. Fake profiles have been wreaking havoc for years on the platform.

But how can you tell if your match is a catfish or the real deal? This is how to find out if you’re dealing with a fake Grindr profile:

1. Reverse-Search Their Profile Photos With ProFaceFinder

Fake profiles on Grindr (and any other dating app) are mainly categorized into scammers, bots, catfishes, and trolls. They all have one thing in common: their Kryptonite is catifsh reverse image searching.

ProFaceFinder is a reverse-lookup tool you can use to find photos’ sources. It draws from a vast database of online records, like websites, social media, dating apps, etc.!

Simply screenshot one of their photos with a clear view of their face and upload it to PFF. Should their photo exist anywhere online, you’ll see the sources in a few minutes.

No need to commit to a monthly subscription either: you get 1 search for $6 or 2 for $10, perfect for finding out if they’re legit or not.

2. Look Up Their Supposed Name Online

You can do this in two free ways:

1. Head on over to your favorite search engine and type their full name. What should follow are social media links of users with the same name. Add keywords like “Facebook” or “New York City” if you want.

2. Go to Instagram or Facebook and put their name in the search bar. It’s going to be tedious and potentially useless, but it’s worth a shot.

If you get no results at all, or you get info that doesn’t match what you’ve been told, they’re likely a fake profile.

3. If You Have Their Number, Reverse-Search That Too

It’s rare for catfishes to do something as bold as give you their real phone number, but it doesn’t hurt to back-search it.

Do a quick Google search to see if the number appears anywhere: social media, networking sites, or news outlets.

But optimally, you want to use high-performance, phone reverse search tools like CatfishNumr or TrueCaller. People-search services like SocialCatfish or TruthFinder might work too!

Note: To find their real identity, you need their real phone number, but even so, if they picked a random phone number that belongs to someone else, you’ll be able to connect the dots.

Do the same with their job. You can look the company up on LinkedIn or social media in general; employees sometimes follow them online.

4. Browse Criminal Record Sites…Just to Be Safe

Look, dating apps aren’t exactly the safest way of dating, and many criminals continue to target vulnerable users.

Have a quick look at services like LocalCrimeNews, Europe’s Most Wanted, or your country’s/city’s online records, just so that you’re sure they’re not dangerous.

And even when you don’t find their mugshot, don’t put your guard down! 

The Red Flags Your Grindr Match is a Catfish 🚩

Spotting a catfish on Grindr is actually quite easy once you know what to look for because their profile and behavior are inconsistent, strange, and vague.

– An over-the-counter sexual profile

It’s common to get greeted by a six-pack before a name on Grindr. Catfishes know users are mostly looking for quick flings, so their profiles are highly sexualized, with little to no substance.

Photos may be blurry or professional-looking since they’re stolen. It’s common for them to be cropped, too, usually including only body parts.

– They’re immediately in heat

They’ll love-bomb you, send nudes within minutes, and wait for you to return the favor. From there, it usually goes one of three ways:

• You say no. They drop the act and show their true colors (not the cute ones).
• You say no again. They pretend it’s OK, but keep pushing until you give in, or they guilt-trip and block you when you don’t.
• You say yes. Then the real scam begins: “I’ll ruin your life. I’ll send your nudes to everyone unless you send $1,000.”

– They insist on moving off the app

They’re fishing for personal info and avoiding bans, so they ask for your socials, like IG or Facebook, where your friends list is visible, or even your WhatsApp or phone number (your phone number is sensitive info).

– They want to be your sugar daddy

Some catfishes go full fantasy mode: playing the rich, generous sugar daddy. They will send you made-up banking statements. If you believe them, they’ll want your banking info and possibly some kind of “investment”.

– Different profile, same photos

You’ll start seeing the same abs or face pop up on different profiles. If they were acting shady before, this is all the proof you need because catfishes and bots specifically mass-create accounts.

– “I’ll service you, but send money first.”

Kinks and fetishes are nothing new on Grindr. Maybe you’re into being walked like a dog, and suddenly Robert pops up, ready to treat you like the good little pup you are.

– They’re never able to meet in person

If your match is constantly dodging plans, that’s a major red flag. They might say they’re busy, or use many excuses that get more ridiculous each time.

Tips on How To Stay Safe From Grindr Fake Profiles

Don’t share nudes, unless you’re fine with everyone seeing them. If you do send nudes, crop out your face, avoid tattoos, scars, or anything identifiable, and claim the pics are AI-generated if blackmailed.

And while we’re on the topic, avoid sending too many selfies…have you seen what AI can do lately? Don’t fall victim to potential blackmail.

Unless you’ve already received a service, don’t send money. People lie. People scam. People disappear. Don’t do it even if they say they’re struggling or promise to do something for you. 

Don’t share your social media because by switching to apps like Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, dangerous people collect your info. They can see your posts and check your friend list (hello, aunties);

Oh, and always ask for their age. Some catfishes pretend to be underage after exchanging nudes. Then they’ll threaten lawsuits, arrest, or public shame, unless, of course, you pay up to make it all go away. 

If this happens: Block them immediately. No response, no apology, no negotiation. If you have a screenshot showing they said they were of legal age, keep it handy. You can use it if things escalate.