Online Dating Red Flags

Steve Manley
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Online dating opens up a world of possibilities, but it also comes with risks that every user should keep in mind. Spotting red flags early can protect your time, your emotions, and your personal safety. This guide breaks down the most common online dating red flags and what you can do to stay safe while searching for a genuine connection.

Online Dating Red Flags In A Profile

A dating profile provides the first glimpse into someone’s personality and intentions. Watch for signs that something may be off.Incomplete profiles: A lack of photos, vague bios, or missing key details can signal someone who isn’t serious or who wants to hide their identity.Too-perfect photos: Professionally staged or model-like pictures may be stolen from social media or stock sites. Reverse image searches can help verify them.Inconsistent information: Different ages, locations, or life details between their bio, photos, and what they tell you later suggest dishonesty.Overly dramatic or negative bios: Statements like “no drama” or “everyone on this app is fake” can indicate underlying hostility or poor communication habits.

Messaging Red Flags

Once conversations begin, pay attention to how the person communicates.

Moving too fast: Messages that quickly jump to love, exclusivity, or intense emotional language can be manipulative.

Avoiding personal questions: Someone who constantly redirects questions or gives vague answers may be hiding their real identity or relationship status.

Requests to leave the app: Scammers often push for you to move to private platforms like WhatsApp or email so they can operate more freely.

Poor grammar paired with odd storylines: While typos happen, patterns of unusual language combined with scripted, dramatic stories can be part of scam tactics.

Behavioural Red Flags

Behavioral clues often reveal a person’s true intentions.

Inconsistency: Cancelling plans repeatedly, disappearing for days, or shifting their story are signs they may not be genuine.

Love bombing: Excessive compliments, gifts, or promises early on can be a manipulation tactic to gain trust.

Controlling tendencies: Dictating how often you should message or what you should post is a serious warning sign.

Pressure for intimacy: Anyone who rushes physical or emotional closeness is showing disrespect for your boundaries.

Safety Red Flags

When safety concerns appear, take them seriously.

Requests for money: This is the biggest red flag of all. Scammers often claim emergencies, travel issues, or sudden tragedies to ask for financial help.

Refusal to video chat: Someone who won’t show their face via video after a reasonable time may not be who they claim to be.

Strange links or files: Never click on files from someone you do not fully trust; they can contain phishing attempts or malware.

Overseas connections: Profiles with complicated stories involving international travel, military deployment, or remote work can be legitimate—but they’re also common scam narratives.