![Which Dating App Has the Most Fake Profiles? [2025 Investigation]](https://wifeyfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Image-61.jpeg)
Which Dating App Has the Most Fake Profiles? [2025 Investigation]
In the world of online dating, fake profiles are more than just annoying—they’re dangerous, misleading, and a major waste of time. From catfishers and bots to scammers and spam accounts, fake profiles pollute nearly every dating platform in 2025. But which apps are the worst offenders, and which ones are actively fighting back?
We’ve combed through user reports, app reviews, Reddit threads, and official platform data to investigate where fake profiles thrive—and where your chances of meeting real people are highest. If you’re tired of wondering who’s real and who’s not, this breakdown is for you.
What Counts as a Fake Profile?
Before diving into the rankings, let’s define what we’re talking about. A “fake profile” generally includes:
- Bots – Automated accounts used to simulate real users
- Catfishers – People pretending to be someone they’re not
- Scammers – Profiles designed to extract money or personal info
- Inactive/Filler Accounts – Profiles with no real intent to date
- Spam Marketers – Adult sites, OnlyFans promos, crypto scams, etc.
These accounts waste your time, drain your emotional energy, and create an unsafe dating environment.
Quick Summary: Most Fake Profiles by App (2025)
| App | Fake Profile Risk (High to Low) | Common Fake Types |
|---|---|---|
| Plenty of Fish (POF) | 🔴 Very High | Bots, adult spam, fake women |
| Tinder | 🔴 High | Catfishers, bots, fake accounts |
| Badoo | 🔴 High | Bots, cam girl profiles |
| Facebook Dating | 🟠 Moderate | Fake local profiles, crypto scams |
| Hinge | 🟡 Low | Some bots, ghosters |
| Bumble | 🟡 Low | Occasional inactive profiles |
| eHarmony | 🟢 Very Low | Heavily vetted, premium users |
1. Plenty of Fish (POF) – Fake Profile Epicenter
Despite its longevity, POF continues to struggle with fake accounts. The app’s free structure, outdated verification tools, and massive user base make it a hotbed for bots and scams.
Common Complaints:
“Half the matches don’t even reply — then you realize it was a bot.”
“Too many fake women profiles pushing adult content.”
“Got asked for gift cards twice in one week.”
Why It Happens:
- No video verification
- Minimal spam filtering
- Older user base targeted by scams
🔗 Visit: www.pof.com
2. Tinder – Huge Reach, High Risk
Tinder remains the most popular dating app globally, which unfortunately makes it a top target for bots and scammers. While Tinder has improved safety features like photo verification, the sheer volume of users makes fake profiles hard to avoid.
Common Complaints:
“Every third match is selling something.”
“I got catfished by someone using stolen Instagram pics.”
“The bots say ‘I don’t use this app—text me’ and drop a number.”
Why It Happens:
- Low barrier to entry
- Global reach = high scam value
- Limited human moderation
🔗 Visit: www.tinder.com
3. Badoo – Real-Time Dating with Real Scams
Badoo is popular in Europe and Latin America, but it’s also notorious for fake cam girl accounts and bots. Its real-time matching features are often exploited by marketers and scammers pretending to be live users.
Common Complaints:
“Every attractive profile is a cam girl link.”
“Messaging feels like walking through a minefield.”
“It’s impossible to tell who’s legit.”
Why It Happens:
- Weak verification
- Pay-to-boost mechanics draw adult marketers
- Regional moderation inconsistency
🔗 Visit: www.badoo.com
4. Facebook Dating – Familiar but Not Foolproof
Since most users are already on Facebook, Facebook Dating offers realistic local matches, but its open structure can let in crypto spam, fake locals, and even romance scammers targeting your friends list.
Common Complaints:
“Someone matched with me using stolen pics from my ex.”
“Had a long convo, then they asked for Bitcoin help.”
“Feels safer, but I’ve still been burned.”
Why It Happens:
- Fake profiles already exist in Facebook’s ecosystem
- Users assume trust because of shared connections
- Minimal dating-specific moderation
🔗 Visit: www.facebook.com/dating
5. Hinge – Mostly Clean With Minor Glitches
Hinge has invested heavily in user verification and safety, making it one of the lowest-risk apps for fake profiles. Most complaints here are about inactivity or ghosting, not scams or bots.
Common Complaints:
“Sometimes you get a vibe that a profile was built by AI.”
“Lots of matches that never respond, but not scams.”
“Better than Tinder for real people.”
Why It Works:
- Profile prompts require effort
- Strong reporting tools
- Emphasis on dating intention
🔗 Visit: www.hinge.co
6. Bumble – Light on Fakes, Strong on Safety
Bumble keeps fake profiles to a minimum thanks to profile verification, women-first messaging, and algorithmic filters. Inactive users exist, but outright fakes are rare.
Common Complaints:
“Sometimes you match and it goes nowhere — but not a scam.”
“Verification badge makes me feel better about swiping.”
“I’ve never seen a bot on here.”
Why It Works:
- Women initiate contact = lower bot success
- Profile photo verification
- Strong user-reported moderation
🔗 Visit: www.bumble.com
7. eHarmony – Highest Barrier, Lowest Scam Rate
If you’re willing to go premium, eHarmony offers the most secure dating experience. With required questionnaires, identity screening, and limited daily matches, it filters out nearly all fake profiles.
Common Complaints:
“Expensive, but worth it for real people.”
“No scammers, no spam — just grown-up dating.”
“A little boring, but safe.”
Why It Works:
- Paid-only model
- Long sign-up process discourages bad actors
- Manual profile reviews
🔗 Visit: www.eharmony.com
How to Spot a Fake Dating Profile (Fast)
Even on trusted apps, fakes can slip through. Watch for:
- Overly polished photos (or no photos at all)
- Push for off-app communication (e.g., “text me instead”)
- Weird grammar or robotic messages
- Links to adult sites or product pages
- Too fast, too forward — emotional baiting or fast flirting
Use built-in report and block features, and never share personal info, money, or explicit content with someone you haven’t met in person.
Fake Profiles by the Numbers (2025)
Based on compiled user data, app store complaints, and cybersecurity firm reports:
| App | % of Suspected Fakes |
|---|---|
| Plenty of Fish | ~38% |
| Tinder | ~33% |
| Badoo | ~29% |
| Facebook Dating | ~18% |
| Hinge | ~10% |
| Bumble | ~7% |
| eHarmony | <2% |
Note: These are estimated figures based on complaint volume and public audits, not official disclosures from platforms.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Dating App Wisely
Fake profiles aren’t going anywhere — but your exposure to scams and bots depends heavily on the app you choose. While no platform is completely immune, apps like Hinge, Bumble, and eHarmony are clearly ahead in protecting users.
If you’re dating in 2025, here’s the rule:
🚩 Free + No Verification = High Risk
🟢 Paid + Verified Profiles = Low Risk
Stick with platforms that respect your time, your identity, and your trust. You deserve better than catfishers and clickbait.
We write rarely, but only the best content.
