If you’ve ever dipped your toes into online dating, you already know the highs and lows. One minute you’re laughing with someone who gets your sense of humor, the next… you’re questioning why they’re suddenly asking for money or sending weird links.
And yes — Facebook Dating isn’t immune to this. I remember when I first tried it; the excitement of matching with someone new was electric. But within days, I spotted the subtle red flags: inconsistent stories, blurry profile pics, and oddly urgent messages.
Here’s the thing — scammers have gotten really good at pretending to be genuine singles. But once you know their tricks, it’s so much easier to protect yourself and still enjoy the fun side of Facebook Dating.
Let’s walk through exactly how to stay safe without losing the thrill of meeting someone new.
How Facebook Dating Works (and Why Scammers Target It)
Facebook Dating is a feature inside the Facebook app that lets you create a separate dating profile to match with people based on interests, location, and mutual friends.
It’s appealing because:
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It’s free (no monthly subscriptions)
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It’s integrated with your existing Facebook account
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It can match you with friends of friends or totally new people
But here’s the flip side — because profiles are easy to set up and verification isn’t super strict, scammers can slide in, hoping you won’t notice until it’s too late.
7 Red Flags That Scream “Scammer” 🚩
I’ve seen these over and over again, both in my own experiences and from people I’ve coached on safe online dating:
1. Their Profile Feels… Off
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Only 1–2 photos (often stock images or model-like)
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Bio is vague or overly generic (“I’m looking for true love and honesty”)
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Location doesn’t match where they claim to be
Tip: Use Google Reverse Image Search to check if their photo is stolen.
2. They Move Too Fast
Scammers often push the “love bombing” strategy — showering you with compliments and affection in just a few messages.
3. They Avoid Video Calls
If every attempt to FaceTime or Messenger Video “fails” because their camera is broken, their signal is bad, or they’re “too shy” — 🚩
4. They Ask for Money or Gifts
It might start small (“I just need $50 for a phone card”) but quickly escalates into bigger requests.
5. They Send Suspicious Links
Clicking these can lead to phishing sites that steal your login details.
6. Inconsistent Stories
Details about their job, family, or location change each time you talk.
7. They Pressure You to Leave the App
They’ll say, “Let’s chat on WhatsApp/Telegram instead,” so Facebook’s scam detection tools can’t catch them.
How to Protect Yourself Without Killing the Vibe ❤️
Dating should be fun, not stressful. Here’s how to enjoy Facebook Dating safely:
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Verify their photos — Ask for a recent selfie doing something specific (“Send me a pic holding your coffee mug right now”).
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Keep the chat in Facebook Dating or Messenger until you feel safe.
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Never share financial info — not even “just your bank name.”
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Use video calls early to confirm they’re real.
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Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.
A Real Story: How I Almost Got Scammed (and How I Dodged It)
I once matched with someone who claimed to be an engineer working overseas. Their messages were sweet — almost too sweet. Within three days, they started hinting about needing money to fly back home.
Instead of ignoring my gut, I asked for a quick video call. Suddenly… radio silence.
Lesson learned: Scammers hate face-to-face proof.
What Facebook Is Doing to Stop Scammers
Facebook Dating has reporting tools, profile review systems, and AI filters to detect suspicious activity. But the truth? No system catches everything. That’s why your awareness is your best defense.
Final Takeaway
Scammers will always be around, but they can’t hurt you if you know their moves.
Protect yourself, ask questions, and remember — the right match will never pressure you for money, dodge video calls, or guilt-trip you into breaking your boundaries.
Ready to try Facebook Dating the safe way? Start with my step-by-step Facebook Dating guide to set up a profile that attracts real singles — not scammers.
Trending Facebook Dating FAQs
Q: Can someone fake their location on Facebook Dating?
Yes — with VPNs or fake profiles. That’s why early video chats help confirm authenticity.
Q: Is it safe to give my phone number?
Not right away. Stick to in-app chat until you’ve built trust.
Q: What do I do if I suspect a scammer?
Report their profile immediately and block them.
