Online dating exploded during the pandemic (yay, connection!), but unfortunately, so did scammers (boo, trash humans). Catfishing, fake profiles, and straight-up grifts are everywhere — and while some are laughably obvious, others are disturbingly good at what they do.

The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. You just need a little skepticism, a little tech savvy, and permission to trust your gut. Here’s how to avoid getting scammed while dating online.

1. Reverse image search like a detective
If someone’s photos look too polished, it’s time to investigate. A quick reverse image search can reveal whether those pics were lifted from an Instagram influencer, stock photo site, or — yes — a porn star’s promo page. Tools like Google Images or TinEye make this ridiculously easy. If the same face pops up under 12 different names, that’s your cue to exit stage left.

2. Never, ever send money
We cannot stress this enough: do not send money to someone you haven’t met. Not for gas. Not for groceries. Not because their phone “broke” or their crypto wallet is “locked.” Scammers love a sob story paired with urgency. Real humans can meet for coffee without needing Venmo first.

3. Video chat before you meet
This is one of the simplest scam filters out there. FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp — pick your platform. If they dodge video calls repeatedly, blame bad cameras, or insist “they’re shy” forever… yeah, no. A quick video chat confirms they exist, look like their photos, and can string together a live conversation.

4. Use your common sense (and listen to it)
If the story doesn’t add up, it probably doesn’t. And if the profile looks like a supermodel who somehow only wants to talk to you while refusing to meet? Be honest with yourself. Attraction is great — delusion is not.

5. See something sketchy? REPORT it.
If you believe someone is a scammer, hit the REPORT button. You’re not being rude — you’re helping keep OBC safer for everyone.

Ready to date smarter (and hotter)? Log in to OBC today, trust your instincts, and put this knowledge to work. Your future match will thank you.