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Scams and fakes
Every common scam, how it works and how to shut it down.
Myth: your bank will refund money lost to a scam
Banks often cannot recover money you have paid to a scammer. Crypto losses are rarely recovered, and with a fake cheque you repay the bank.
Myth: only older or lonely people fall for romance scams
Anyone can fall for a romance scam. Each age group faces different scams, and those who believe they are immune are easiest to rush.
Myth: a real sugar daddy sends money before you meet
Money arriving before a meeting is how two common scams start. Real generosity comes after you have met and agreed on expectations.
Myth: scammers only target sugar babies
Generous members are prime targets because they hold the money. Scammers use fake profiles with stolen photos and stories about emergencies, travel and crypto.
Myth: a verified profile cannot be a scammer
Verification confirms the person matches their photos. It is not an ID check and says nothing about intentions.
Why you never receive or forward parcels for a match
A match who asks you to receive parcels, reship goods or handle money is using you to move the proceeds of crime. Say no and report the profile.
Why you never read a text message code to a match
A six-digit code from a text usually unlocks your email, bank or phone. If a match asks for it, they are not who they say they are.
How the "I sent too much, please send it back" scam works
A scammer deposits money from a fraudulent account, says it was a mistake, and asks you to return the difference as gift card codes. Then the deposit vanishes.
How the "pay for my travel to meet you" scam works
A match asks you to send money for a flight, train or ride to meet you. Once you send it, they disappear or ask for more.
How the "I'll pay off your debts" scam works
A fake sugar daddy offers to clear your debts, then asks for bank details or a fee. Nobody who wants to help needs your login or card.
Should you pay to join a sugar daddy agency or group chat?
No: a fee to join a group, be matched or get access to a list of sugar daddies is a pay-first scam. The group does not exist.
Mistake: paying one more fee to get your money released
The money you already sent is gone. One more fee will not recover it and only adds to your loss. Stop paying and call your bank.
How "pig butchering" romance investment scams work
A match mentions trading crypto, walks you on to a platform, lets you withdraw a small profit, then pushes bigger deposits until you are locked out.
Should you post a scammer's photos online to warn others?
No: the photos are usually stolen from an innocent person, so posting them hurts the wrong person. Report the profile to the platform instead.
How the "proof of loyalty" sugar daddy scam works
A fake sugar daddy promises money, then asks for a small payment first to "prove" you're serious. If you pay, they disappear.
What to say when a match wants money to prove you are real
When someone asks for money to prove you are real, it is a scam. Say no: you are verified, you will video call, and you do not send money before meeting.
Questions that expose a fake profile, with examples
Ask specific questions about their life and watch who answers them: scammers ask you a lot but share very little about themselves.
What to reply to a sugar daddy offer in your DMs
Unsolicited money offers from strangers on social media are scams. Reply with one line and block, or say nothing.
How to report a scam profile on Dateable
Report from their profile, say what they asked for, then block. Report even if you lost nothing. A report to Dateable is not the same as reporting to your bank.
Should you report a scammer if you lost nothing?
Yes: reporting removes the profile before it reaches someone else, and it takes five minutes. Here's what to include and where.
Scam screening checklist for sugar daddies before a first date
Check their verification, video call them, watch their story stay consistent, and stop if they ask for money or travel before you meet.
How to tell family you lost money to a romance scam
Say it plainly and early. Scam distress is normal, telling someone makes a second payment less likely, and support is there.
What to tell your bank after you pay a scammer, with scripts
Call your bank with dates and amounts. Get a reference number and the staff member's name. Scripts for the call, gift card company, and written follow-up.
What to do when someone threatens to expose your arrangement
Do not pay. This is blackmail, and paying brings the next demand. Stop replying, keep the evidence, report to police, and tell a person you trust.