DateableHow to tell a real sugar daddy from a fake one
A real sugar daddy is happy to verify and meet you before offering anything. A fake one offers money fast, then needs a fee or asks you to refund an overpayment.
A real sugar daddy is happy to verify his profile, video call you and meet you in public before offering anything. A fake one offers money within the first few messages, then asks for a fee upfront or creates an overpayment scam where you send money back.
What a real generous member does
Someone who is genuinely interested in an arrangement moves at a normal pace. They chat on Dateable first. They are happy to complete verification to show you they are who they say they are. Verification is a live selfie compared to the profile photos, so you can be confident the person matches their pictures.
A real generous member suggests a video call so you can talk face-to-face and get a sense of each other before you meet. They do not hide behind photos. If they refuse a video call, that is your answer: they are not who they claim to be.
A real generous member suggests a first meeting in a public place: a cafe, a restaurant, a bar, somewhere with other people around. They expect to pay, but they do not offer money before you have met. They understand that expectations matter, so they do not rush into terms. Once you have met in person and you both want to continue, then you can talk about what the arrangement looks like.
The 'proof of loyalty' scam
One common fake is the 'proof of loyalty' fee. A scammer poses as a prospective sugar daddy, expresses interest very quickly, and says he will pay your bills or debts. But first, he needs you to send him a small payment as proof that you are serious, to cover transfer fees, or to show loyalty 1. He may use phrases like 'once I transfer the money, you send me a deposit first' or 'I need to make sure you won't run off with it'.
These are lies. A real person with money does not ask you to prove loyalty before he has even met you. He does not ask you to pay him money if he is the one offering an arrangement. Once you pay the fee, he disappears 1. You have lost money and have no arrangement.
The overpayment scam
A second fake is the overpayment scam. A scammer deposits a large sum into your account, claims the transfer was an error by his accountant or bank, and asks you to return the extra money 1. He instructs you to buy gift cards (Apple iTunes, Google Play or Steam) and send him the codes.
This is how it works. The deposit came from a stolen account. Within days or weeks, the bank or the account owner disputes the transfer. The money disappears from your account. But you have already bought the gift cards and sent the codes to the scammer. He has the codes and you are left in debt 2.
I need you to do me a favour. I accidentally sent you too much. Can you buy some iTunes cards and send me the codes to refund the difference?
If you receive a message like that, do not buy any gift cards. Do not send money back. A real generous member does not deposit money to you by mistake. Block the profile and report it.
How to spot a fake before you lose money
- They offer money in the first message or within the first day of chatting.
- They avoid video calls or say their camera is broken.
- They create an excuse not to meet: they work on an oil rig, they are deployed overseas, they are closing a business deal abroad, they are stuck in another country due to a visa issue.
- They ask for your bank details, home address or phone number before you have met.
- They pressure you to move the conversation off Dateable to WhatsApp, email or another app very quickly.
- They ask for intimate photos or videos.
- They ask for a 'verification fee', a transfer fee, or any money upfront.
- They declare feelings very quickly, say they love you, or create false urgency about meeting you.
A real member has nothing to hide 3. A scammer hides everything until they have your money. The longer someone avoids meeting you, the more reason to be cautious.
How to verify you are talking to a real person
Before you send money or meet someone, take two steps. First, complete the verification process on Dateable if you feel ready: it shows other members that you match your photos and are who you claim to be. Second, ask the other person to verify too. If they refuse, that tells you something.
If their photos look too perfect, or if you are not sure, run a reverse image search. Search their profile photos on Google Images or TinEye. If the photos appear under a different name, on a modelling website, or if they belong to someone else entirely, they are not who they claim to be 4. Report the profile.
What to do if something feels wrong
Trust your gut. If someone is pushing you to move quickly, asking for money, or avoiding video calls and meetings, stop replying. Do not give them another chance. Do not hope they will change their behaviour. Block them and move on.
If you have already sent money, gift cards, or gift card codes, contact your bank straight away. Do it the same day if you can. The sooner you act, the better your chance of stopping the money or blocking the transaction. Then check sugar dating safety for support and next steps.
Sources
- WA ScamNet (Government of Western Australia, Consumer Protection) (2026). Sugar baby scam.
- Federal Trade Commission (2025). How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams.
- Scamwatch (ACCC) (2026). Relationship scams.
- Get Cyber Safe (Government of Canada) (2023). Spot the signs of a catfish on dating platforms.
