Plenty of Fish (PoF) is one of the oldest dating sites to be released. Initially, the app was created to help singles find potential matches and form long-lasting relationships. 

One problem, though: just like OkCupid, the app is swimming with scammers and catfishes, making it impossible for users to chill and date.

However, I did my own research to see just how bad the scammer problem is on Plenty of Fish. These are my findings:

How common are scammers on PoF?

Sadly, way too common. As a matter of fact, the chances of coming across fake profiles on PoF are really high, hence you must keep your eyes peeled.

It’s especially concerning given the number of questions the platform makes you answer (about personal info, appearance, relationship goals, etc.)!

These questions are meant to determine what your type is and the users that show up on your feed, but simultaneously, they trigger catfishes who know just how to make you fall for their fad.

What do scammer profiles look like on PoF?

Plot twist! Most of the “perfect” profiles I matched with were fake. Here’s how the majority of false accounts looked:

1. Profile photos were stolen from other sources

Some pictures looked like models, others were clearly AI-generated. Some were edited, and some extremely low-quality; all of these signs should spark suspicion.

To confirm those suspicions, I used ProFaceFinder to scan their pictures. I didn’t even have to pay for a monthly subscription.

It took 2-3 minutes to get the results, and it turns out those people were models, bodybuilders, actors, and singers whose pictures were stolen.

This is not to say that you can’t find people whose physique you find attractive on the app, but stealing known people’s photos is a bold move on their part.

2. Begging on their bio

A few fake accounts didn’t even try to hide that they were looking for money or some kind of job getting done.

In their bios, they wrote things like “Don’t message me if you’re broke” or “Looking for someone to support my lifestyle”. One even said they needed help fixing their house—yes, really.

If they’re not begging on their bio, then they’re being overly sexual. Both ploys are used to evoke some sort of reaction.

3. They’re much younger and very attractive

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this, but if someone much younger and out of your league suddenly wants to form a bond, they’re most likely a fake account. 

It’s common for scammers to go after 40+ year old men and women. They look for someone with a stable job. 

By flattering people with compliments, they hope to get them emotionally attached, so that later they feel comfortable asking for “favors”.

4. Same photos, different PoF accounts

Throughout my research, I stumbled on some accounts whose pictures were the same, however, their names and bios were different. It’s likely that one of the accounts is fake, if not both of them.

5. PoF profile disappears and reappears multiple times

Although this can be the same person simply signing on and off, you can check for other signs to confirm whether they’re a scammer. 

Check if their info has changed or contrasts with their previous profile. They might have multiple accounts, or their accounts are getting banned.

6. “Upgraded” account contacts you first

In Plenty of Fish, you get to send extra messages if your account is new; however, after some time, you have to pay if you want to send more than 1 new message. 

Knowing this, scammers upgrade or create new accounts to send more messages to different people, to like/super like, and even boost their profiles to stand out. If this has happened to you as a new or inactive user, watch out.

7. Weird usernames

Another sign of a catfish account is their username being game-like. Instead of using names and surnames, they go for: e.g., “justagirl2024”, or their names + weird combinations of numbers.

8. Unverified account

PoF gives verified users the option to ask their matches to verify their accounts as well if they haven’t already.

To do this and eliminate the possibility of your match being a catfish, click on the top-right icon. If they flat-out refuse, something’s definitely fishy.

How do PoF catfishes behave?

Okay, so now we know how scammers build their Plenty of Fish profiles, but what about their behavior? Is it THAT distinct? Yes…here are the most telltale behavioral signs:

• Very flirty and raunchy

Catfishes hope to scam an unsuspecting soul by being overly romantic/sexual because that’s the most successful tactic.

• The damsel in distress

Scammers attempt to tug at the heartstrings by making up a story about how ill they are or how much they need money for something. Don’t fall for it.

• Very generic and superficial

When asked about something, fake profiles keep things very superficial so as to not spark suspicion. That’s why their answers are usually generic.

• Just pure nonsense

When you ask them something out-of-the-box, their answer is irrelevant and nonsensical—this indicates automated behavior. You’re talking to a bot!

• Links mania

Clicking on a link is the easiest way to get hacked, and PoF scammers utilize them to install malware on your device. Never click on a link.

• Messaging without viewing your profile

PoF has a feature that lets you check who visits your profile. If an account messages you without checking it, and their account keeps going “unavailable” or “hidden” after messaging, it’s highly likely they’re a catfish.

Can you still meet real people on PoF?

Even though the dating site is riddled with dead accounts and scammers, you can still meet real people there. I came across some genuine accounts.

However, you’ll have to be cautious. It takes effort to filter out scammers from the large number of users. 

Use trustworthy image reverse search services (such as ProFaceFinder) to make sure you’re talking to a genuine person. If their photos result in different names, report & block them.

If the conversation is leaning toward money, you’re not their friend or partner—to them, you’re a charity. Ask them to hop on a quick call, FaceTime, or even meet in person. If they only make excuses, move on.

Plenty of Fish has potential, but to create real connections, first trust your gut, and most importantly, keep your personal info, heart, and wallet distanced. 

Better safe than sorry.