Unfiltered dating apps: the real dangers behind the “perfect match”

Swipe, match… fraud? Discover how to protect yourself from the dark side of dating apps.

Dating apps have forever changed the way we meet and connect. With just one click, you can connect with someone who shares your tastes, hobbies, or intentions. However, behind every match, there may be a fake profile, an attempt at fraud, or even an emotional or financial scam.

TinderBumble, Grindr, Badoo, Happn, and Facebook Couples lead the market in Mexico, where, according to Statista, Tinder has a 65.4% preference share. However, many of these apps don't require user identity verification. The result? Fake profiles, identity theft, fraud, and even extortion.

In Mexico City alone, the Cyber Police receive between 6,000 and 7,000 reports per month, of which 90% relate to fraud, extortion, or threats through dating apps.

Profeco has warned about the risks in its report "Love and Apps", which lists the dangers of cyberbullying, data theft, and emotional scams. It also recommends not sharing sensitive information, reviewing the terms and conditions, and reporting suspicious behavior.

Now more than ever, verifying who is on the other side of the screen is not just advisable—it's necessary. Anonymity on these platforms can become an open door to crime. Apps are not regulated by authorities that require identification mechanisms; however, it is an area of opportunity for companies to create a much safer environment for their users.

Regarding the risks associated with internet use, theft of personal data remains the top concern for users, reaching 82%, maintaining almost the same percentage as the previous year (81.5%). However, there is a notable increase in the fear of being a victim of fraud, which rose from 52.3% to 67%. Similarly, more users express concern about the invasion of their privacy, reaching 63% this year, compared to 57.6% the previous year. Finally, remaining very close to last year's figures, is the concern about cyberbullying, at 21%.

This is where identity validation technology becomes a great ally. Companies like Tu Identidad offer solutions for digital platforms to integrate authentication processes into their records, such as facial verification with biometrics, validation of official documents (such as INE or passport), CURP confirmation, and even validation of the individual against blacklists.

Dating apps are here to stay and are a great tool in a social context where human interactions find great importance in the digital world, but that doesn't mean they should operate in the shadows. Through solutions like those provided by Your IdentityThese platforms can offer a safer, more reliable, and more transparent experience for millions of users.