You cross paths with a cute stranger and think, “I hope they’re on Happn!”, but instead, someone completely unfamiliar pops up. You shrug, thinking, “Eh, why not?” and swipe right. Big mistake.

What seemed like a harmless match quickly turns into regret. But hey, sometimes the best lessons come from dating site scammers. 

How Does Happn Work?

Unlike most dating apps that match you based on filters like age or interests, Happn also uses your real-time location to suggest people you’ve actually crossed paths with. 

It focuses only on nearby users you’ve physically passed by, sometimes just meters away. You’ll even see where and when your paths crossed. From there, if both of you hit “like”, it’s a match.

Sounds like fake profiles wouldn’t stand a chance here, right? Wrong.

The app’s approach can actually make fake profiles feel more believable, because they’re shown as if they were nearby. That realism? It’s exactly what some scammers exploit.

Check out some of the signs that should leave you questioning whether they’re a catfish/scammer:

1. They’re Clueless or Confused About Local Spots

You’ve already established you both live in the same area, but when you casually mention a well-known café or the mall down the street, they’re either totally lost or hit you with, 

“Oh, I haven’t been there in a long time.” Sounds like an excuse? That’s because it probably is.

If they can’t name a single spot they’ve “crossed paths” with you near, they probably haven’t been there at all. Either the system glitched, or they’re using a VPN.

2. They “Forget” Where They Live or Basic Details About The City

Forgetting your own address or local spots isn’t normal, unless they’ve got dementia or other memory issues they forgot to mention.

If one day they say they live downtown, and the next they claim to be near the airport, something’s off. Slipping up like that usually means one thing: they’re lying. And when the details don’t add up, neither should your trust.

3. They’re “Always Busy” to Meet

You see, they’ve crossed paths with you. Maybe they’re passing by your street, your workplace, or the café around the corner, but somehow, they’re never free to meet.

Sure, first dates can be nerve-wracking, and some people are shy. But if they keep making excuses, what exactly are they doing on a location-based app? If they’re serious, they’ll make time. If not, it’s time to question their intentions.

4. Their Job or School Doesn’t Match Their Location

Sure, some people commute, but most choose to live close to where they work or study. So if they claim to live near you, but their job or university is hours away (or in a completely different city), something’s off.

Long-distance commutes aren’t the norm, and if their story doesn’t add up, it might not be the only thing that’s fake.

5. They Say They’re “Just Visiting” for Work or Travel

A lot of scammers hide behind the “I’m traveling” or “I’m here for work” excuse. It gives them a reason to avoid meeting up and keeps things vague.

In reality, they might be a local hiding their true identity. Or worse, they’re using a VPN to fake their location and appear nearby when they’re actually miles (or even countries) away.

6. Their Interests Feel Oddly…Random

Ever notice how they’re into everything you do? It’s normal for people to mirror each other (psychology even backs that up). But when it starts to feel like there are too many similarities to be real, it’s suspicious.

Sometimes it really gets absurd. “I like cats, tea, vegan food, practicing religion, but I’m also partially atheist”…OMG, me too, what a coincidence!

It’s not connection – it’s calculation. They’re trying to build false intimacy by becoming your ideal match. And honestly, it shows.

7. They Keep Mentioning Crypto Investments 

Like Tinder, some scammers join Happn with one goal: to pitch “once-in-a-lifetime” crypto investments. Even if it weren’t a scam, it’s still a massive turn-off.

But when they keep pushing weird coins, claiming it’s your chance to get rich, take the hint. They’re not looking for love, they’re looking for your wallet.

8. Their Profile Looks Off or Too Perfect

It’s the classic red flag: either their profile is vague and empty, or it looks like it was taken from an Instagram model. On Happn, just like other dating apps, that usually screams “scammer.”

If their photos look perfect and their bio says nothing, proceed with caution. Unless they’re willing to hop on a video call or meet up, don’t waste your time trying to figure out if they’re real.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Happn Scammers IRL and Online?

> Reverse-lookup their photo with ProFaceFinder

Most scammers steal other people’s identities, photos included. You can verify their selfies by running them on the ProFaceFinder tool.

For $5.95 (2 searches) or $9.95 (7 searches), you’ll find the sources using your Happn match face: social media, websites, and even mugshots.

> Notice How They Talk About The Area

Scammers might say they live nearby, but real locals speak like they’ve made memories on most corners. 

If their replies feel vague – no mention of that café everyone knows, no childhood memories, or they don’t recognize street names – they’re probably trying their best to guess.

> Suggest a Quick Video Call

The fastest way to weed out catfishes? Ask for a video call. Most scammers vanish as soon as you suggest it. But don’t let a real face fool you: just because they look like their photos doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

> Propose a Casual Meetup 

A public coffee shop. A park bench. A bookstore. Real people make time for real meetups, especially when they’re active on dating sites. Scammers? They’ll always have a convenient excuse.

> Check Their Timeline Consistency

They say they work a 9-to-5 job, but your paths “cross” at 3 p.m.?

Something’s off. When details don’t line up, that’s your cue. 

> Never Send Money or Nudes

This isn’t just a scam-spotting tip – it’s a golden rule. Even if they don’t seem like a scammer, never send money or explicit content. It can (and will) be used against you.

Don’t Rely On Happn’s Location

Coming off strong here but honestly, don’t. While it’s a cool way to connect with someone you passed by or crushed on silently, it doesn’t always work for the best. 

Glitches happen. People use VPNs. And sometimes the person who “crossed your path” is nothing like the one you’re messaging.

That’s why it’s important to stay alert and use the tips above to check if they’re legit. If you notice the person you’re talking to doesn’t intend to meet, keep your distance instead of crossing paths. 

However, if you’re into people who ignore your boundaries, lack respect, lie and probably don’t exist, use Happn blindly for the best experience.