Ever found yourself getting a crypto lesson on Tinder? Maybe you were waiting for a cute selfie, only for them to send screenshots of how much they made from some random coin. Disappointing, right?

Well, it’s happening to many people. Crypto scams on Tinder–or pig butchering scams–have quietly become one of the most common and devastating forms of online fraud. 

In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice seized over $8 million from a pig butchering ring that targeted dating app users across the U.S.

And it’s not just a few unlucky matches–Tinder cryptocurrency scams are now a whole industry, powered by fake profiles, emotional manipulation, and convincing “investment” platforms that drain your savings before you even realize what happened.

Let’s break it down.

What Do Tinder Crypto Scams Look Like?

The whole operation is scripted. The scammer knows exactly how to lure you in–and they’re not working alone. 

Many of these are organized schemes run by fraud rings or digital sweatshops overseas. It starts with a match. Usually an attractive person, unverified account, often with model-quality photos. 

They either strike up a friendly, normal conversation or immediately start dropping hints about how they’ve made money through Bitcoin or crypto investing.

Sometimes, they mention a relative working at Binance or a connection who offers exclusive insider tips. They’ll even show you screenshots of their supposed earnings. The tone is casual at first—but eventually, you’ll be nudged into trying it yourself.

There are three outcomes:

• You get suspicious and block them.
• You try it once, lose your money, and they vanish.
• You invest more after seeing “fake profits,” and eventually everything disappears.

The entire scam is a carefully thought Tinder investment scam. They’re not looking for love, they’re hunting for victims.

Tinder Scammer Crypto Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

You don’t have to be a crypto expert to spot a Tinder bitcoin scam–but you do need to pay attention. Here are some clear signs you’re being baited:

1. The profile isn’t verified, and seems too perfect

Many scammers can’t verify their Tinder profile because they’re using stolen or AI-generated photos. And since they constantly get reported and banned, they don’t even bother.

So If you don’t see that blue check on a match who immediately is all about investing–be cautious. But beware: even verified profiles can be faked with tricks. 

A blue tick helps, but it’s not a guarantee of authenticity. 

2. They want to move the chat off Tinder right away 

WhatsApp, Telegram, or email are common choices. Why? Because Tinder monitors chats for scam-like behavior, and they want to get around that.

And don’t get your hopes up–this relationship isn’t getting serious, it’s just getting safer for them. 

3. The conversation quickly turns to crypto

They may talk about their crypto “hobby,” casually mention Bitcoin profits, or ask if you’ve ever heard of this “new opportunity.” But quickly it gets too much. 

Just like that auntie that cannot stop ranting about her children, scammers mention crypto and its benefits constantly so that you get interested.

They suggest suspicious platforms to invest

These are often fake crypto trading websites. Some are obvious, others look professional. 

But there are clues:

• Odd URLs
• Broken English
• No company info
• Can’t withdraw money without paying a fee

I might seem like you have access to your money, you’re even able to see it grow–but you don’t. The scammer controls the site so from the moment you invest, you part ways with your money literally.

2. Their number doesn’t match their story

You match with someone who claims they’re in London, but their WhatsApp starts with +63 (Philippines) or +234 (Nigeria), be suspicious. 

Not all international numbers are suspicious, of course–but if all you hear is excuses and lies, combined with other fishy signs, start asking questions. 

Most importantly: if their stated location and their phone area code/world time zone don’t line up, be very skeptical.

3. They resist video calls

Scammers avoid showing their real face or voice. They’ll always have an excuse: “camera’s broken,” “traveling,” “shy.” Don’t buy it.

Video and voice calls expose their true identity. From texting with a gorgeous 23 year old model–to hearing an old man’s voice.

4. They push you to invest

Normal people drop topics when you’re not interested. A crypto Tinder scammer will keep pushing–even urging you to take loans, borrow money, or sell things to invest more.

And when you’re not interested, they try to manipulate you into thinking you hurt them by not believing them and investing all your savings.

5. Their “Relative” Has Insider Connections

Some even say their relative works at Binance or AliExpress. It’s meant to impress–but makes no sense. If they had real insider info, why share it with a stranger they matched with yesterday?

And let’s be real, successful investors aren’t searching Tinder, of all places, for business partners. In finance, insider trading is illegal–why would someone risk jail to tell a random dating app match about a sure-win investment? It just doesn’t add up.

If I had a relative giving me guaranteed crypto tips, I’d be on a yacht–not swiping on Tinder trying to convince strangers to invest. 

Can You Get Your Money Back After Losing It to a Scam?

No, you can’t get your money back after a crypto scam. Crypto payments are irreversible. Anyone claiming they can recover it (especially for a fee) is likely trying to scam you again. Cut losses, report the scam, and move on.

Maybe you posted your story online or out of the blue people contacted you, promising one thing–to recover the money that you already lost. 

They probably claim to be a hacker or recovery expert who “saw your post” and just know what you’re going through. They’ll ask for fees, personal info, and might even use fake success stories to build trust.

Feeling desperate, you might accept–though this time you’ll lose money–again. I know the idea of losing the money you’ve worked so hard for hurts, but when the money’s gone, it’s gone. 

Usually, there’s nothing more you can do–besides being more careful next time. The best you can do is to “Let it go, let it go”. ❄️🎶

How to Protect Yourself from Crypto Scams on Tinder

No one plans to fall for a crypto scam, and not on Tinder of all places. These scammers however, know how to toy with your feelings, how to be persuasive and patient. 

But there are steps you can take to stay safe:

• Reverse image search their photos

someone on Tinder starts talking about crypto, don’t just take their word–or face–for it. Run their pictures through ProFaceFinder.

Whether the photo was stolen or made with AI, ProFaceFinder can help you figure it out before you get emotionally (or financially) invested. 

It costs only $5.95 for 2 searches, but if you want more, the $9.95 plan gives you 7 searches.

Better to pay a few bucks now than lose hundreds on Bitcoin later!

• Search their name, number, and email

If you get no results, or the details don’t match their story, that’s suspicious. Look them up on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and even Reddit.

• Read About Crypto Scams 

Staying updated about tinder investment scams and cryptocurrency scams on tinder in general helps you notice the signs and avoid losing money from the start.

However, if that’s not something you prefer, at least do a quick search and read real investing stories. When someone starts pushing you to invest, you’ll see the pattern, reflect, and react in time.

You can find very useful materials about scams on Reddit, Google, Facebook groups and ProFaceFinder’s ScamHub.

• Don’t send money to anyone you haven’t met

And never invest because a dating app match told you to. Tinder investment scams thrive on emotional influence. If you don’t know them in person, avoid sharing sensitive info or invest money.

• Stay on Tinder for as long as possible.

Once you’re off-platform, there’s less protection. If they pressure you to switch apps immediately, that’s a tactic.

• Learn to walk away

Dating apps are meant for connection, not financial advice. If they don’t respect boundaries or your hesitation, that’s your sign to unmatch.

Swipe Carefully

Scammers understand something most people don’t: emotions cloud logic. They use attraction, flattery, and dreams of wealth to blind you to red flags. And once you’re hooked, the Tinder crypto scam unravels just like that.

The best defense is knowledge, awareness, and trusting your instincts. If something feels off–don’t let it slip. Either confront them or ghost them.

The next time someone on Tinder talks more about Bitcoin than you, it’s not romance, it’s a scam.