Look for the ID Verified tick
The quickest check is the ID Verified tick: members who choose to verify their identity get the tick on their profile.
Verifying is optional, so a profile without the tick isn't automatically fake. But the tick is a strong sign that someone is who their photos say they are.
Red flags on a profile
- Photos that look too polished. Studio lighting or magazine-style poses are more likely to have been taken from somewhere else.
- Only one or two photos. Real people tend to have a mix.
- A profile that could be anyone. Vague, generic text with nothing personal in it.
- Details that don't match. An age, a location or a lifestyle that doesn't fit the photos or what they tell you later.
Red flags in conversation
The clearest warning sign of all is being asked for money, in any form, for any reason.
- Any request for money, bank details or gift cards. However sad or urgent the story, the answer is always no.
- Pushing to move off the site quickly. Someone who wants your number or WhatsApp straight away may be trying to get you somewhere the site can't see.
- Very strong feelings, very fast. Talk of love or a future together before you've even met.
- Always a reason not to meet or video call. A broken camera, a job abroad, a family emergency, every time.
Never send money, share your bank details or buy gift cards for someone you've met online, even someone you feel you know well.
Meeting safely when you live away from town
- Meet somewhere public, with other people around, rather than a remote walk or your home.
- Get yourself there and back. Don't rely on your date for a lift, and check your route and phone signal.
- Tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting and when you'll be home.
- Keep your address to yourself until you know someone well.
If you're worried
- Stop replying, and don't send anything.
- Report the profile on the site. The 24-hour Customer Success team is there to help by phone, live chat or ticket.
- If you've sent money or shared bank details, contact your bank straight away.
- Report it to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) on 0300 123 2040. If you live in Scotland, report it to Police Scotland on 101.
Being scammed is never your fault. The Country Pond constantly monitors for non-genuine accounts and removes them, and every report helps.