Love Scams on Dating Apps in Singapore: How to Tell if Someone is Real and Stay Safe

Dating apps and sites have become a normal way for many Singaporeans to meet people — especially busy professionals, new arrivals, or anyone looking for a compatible partner beyond their usual social circle. While many genuine relationships start online, dating apps are also a fertile hunting ground for scammers. Love scams (also called romance scams) can be emotionally devastating and financially costly.

This guide explains how love scams on dating apps work, the common red flags, what to do if you suspect someone is fake, and how to report scams in Singapore.

What is a Love Scam?

A love scam happens when someone builds an emotional relationship online with the goal of tricking the victim into sending money, sharing financial details, or taking actions that benefit the scammer.

The relationship may begin on:

• Mainstream dating apps (Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, Bumble, etc.)

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram)

• Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)

• Even fake profiles on professional networks like LinkedIn

Scammers often pose as attractive, successful, and caring people — and they invest time to win trust before asking for anything.

Why Singaporeans Are Targeted by Love Scam

• High digital and banking connectivity: Frequent use of PayNow, FAST transfers, and mobile banking makes it easy for scammers to request money.

• Strong desire for companionship: Many singles seek relationships online, which creates opportunities for emotional manipulation.

• International links: Scammers often claim to be overseas workers, military personnel, or travellers, which explains why they cannot meet in person.

• Awareness gap: Even with public education campaigns, scammers adapt quickly with convincing stories and fake documents.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

1. Fast emotional intensity

Declarations of love after just a few chats. Flattering, urgent language creates dependency quickly.

2. Fake profiles and stolen photos

Images are often stolen from social media, modelling portfolios, or stock photo sites. A reverse image search frequently reveals the truth.

3. Excuses to avoid meeting in person

“Working on an oil rig,” “stationed overseas,” or “medical emergency” — excuses to keep everything online.

4. Requests for money or gifts

Small “help” requests (e.g. medical bills, tickets) that escalate over time. Payments are requested via wire transfers, e-wallets, or cryptocurrency.

5. Complex stories and urgency

Sudden crises — family illness, business problems — designed to pressure quick action without reflection.

6. Fake documentation

Forged IDs, military papers, or airline tickets make the scammer seem credible.

7. Multiple communication channels

Scammers move from the dating app to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email, where monitoring is weaker.

Recognising Red Flags: Checklist for Singapore Users

• Too-perfect profile photos (often stolen images)

• Strong feelings expressed unusually fast

• Avoids or makes excuses for video calls

• Claims to live overseas and can’t meet

• Requests money, gifts, or help with transfers

• Asks for bank details, NRIC, or personal documents

• Inconsistent English or communication style

• Urges secrecy from family or friends

• Pushes “investment opportunities” with guaranteed returns

How to Verify if Someone Is Real

1. Do a reverse image search with Google Images or TinEye.

2. Ask for a live video call — refusal is a red flag.

3. Check social media consistency — genuine profiles usually have history.

4. Verify details — check employers, professions, or organisations they claim to work for.

5. Ask specific, localised questions that scammers may fumble.

6. Set boundaries — genuine people will respect them, scammers won’t.

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What to Do if You Suspect a Love Scam

1. Stop communication immediately — block and disengage.

2. Preserve evidence — screenshots, transfers, chats, and IDs.

3. Check financial exposure — contact your bank to freeze accounts or recall transfers.

4. Protect your identity — monitor for misuse if you shared personal documents.

5. Report the scam:

   • File a police report via police.gov.sg or Police@SG app

   • Call the Scamshield Helpline at 1799 to report your case

   • Submit a report on Scam.SG to raise awareness

   • Notify your bank/payment provider to stop the transaction

   • Report fake accounts on the dating platform

6. Get emotional support — speak with friends, family, or counsellors.

How Money Is Commonly Requested and How to Resist

• Bank transfers — once gone, funds are hard to recover

• PayNow and e-wallets — “urgent” requests are suspicious

• Cryptocurrency — irreversible transactions, often claimed to “bypass banking”

• Gift cards & vouchers — codes are untraceable once shared

• Money mule requests — receiving and forwarding money can implicate you in money laundering crime

Golden rule: Never send money or share OTPs with someone you’ve only met online.

Protecting Yourself: Best Practices for Singapore Daters

• Take time to verify before trusting

• Keep chats on the dating app initially

• Use video calls to confirm identity

• Guard NRIC, address, and banking info

• Be cautious with long-distance claims

• Get a second opinion from friends/family

• Stay updated on scam tactics through ScamAlert.sg

Reporting Resources and Helplines in Singapore

• Singapore Police Force (SPF): file reports online or via the nearest police post

• Your bank: report fraudulent transfers immediately

• Scam.SG: report to build awareness in the community

• Mental health support: 24/7 (1800-221-4444), Social Service Offices

What the Authorities Are Doing

The Singapore Police Force, National Crime Prevention Council, and banks actively warn the public through campaigns. Banks deploy fraud detection and freeze suspicious accounts. Yet, prevention remains critical — once money is gone, recovery is unlikely.

Real-Life Lessons: Personas Seen in Singapore

• The “Overseas Professional” — needs urgent help for medical bills.

• The “Soldier or Seafarer” — sends fake IDs, avoids video calls.

• The “Business Partner” — asks you to be a local contact for funds.

• The “Long-Distance Love” — needs airfare or customs fees to visit.

Final Takeaways for Singapore App Users

• Most people online are genuine, but scammers are increasingly sophisticated

• Use verification tools: video calls, reverse image search, social media checks

• Never transfer money to someone you haven’t met in person

• Report suspicious profiles promptly — protect yourself and others

Dating apps should be about connection, not risk. By staying alert, verifying identities, protecting personal data, and reporting suspicious behaviour, Singaporeans can reduce the chance of falling victim to love scams.

 If something feels off, trust your instincts and take steps to verify before you act. If you need help, report it early because swift action is often the best defence.

Stay smart, stay safe, stay vigilant with Scam.SG.