Is Tinder a Scam? 

If you’re thinking of using Tinder, you need to know: Is Tinder a scam? 

Below, we explain whether Tinder is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when using this app. 

What Is Tinder?

Tinder is a dating app. 

It’s known for its “swipe” feature, where you swipe right if you like someone or swipe left to pass on a person. 

You can’t talk to a person unless you both swiped right on each other and “matched.” 

The app is owned by Match Group and came out in 2012. 

It is available in around 190 countries and more than 40 languages. 

Is Tinder a Scam?

No, Tinder is not a scam. It’s a legitimate app for people who are looking for romance. 

However, as is the case with pretty much any online platform, criminals may use Tinder to carry out their scams. 

Unsurprisingly, romance scams are really common on Tinder. 

In one recent example, a person was conned out of $40,000 by someone they met on Tinder. 

Here, the scammer built up a relationship with their victim and then shared a photoshopped image of themselves in a hospital bed (actually a picture of former MLB pitcher Phil Hughes with a digitally altered face), saying he needed money. 

Other typical scams include sextortion (i.e., where you share sensitive images with a scammer who then threatens to expose them unless you pay up) or pig butchering (where you’re tricked into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes). 

Beyond romance scams, Tinder has been associated with several controversies. 

For example, Match Group, which owns Tinder, is facing a class-action lawsuit that says its apps are built to be “addictive” and “psychologically manipulative.” 

The app’s premium subscription pricing model has also been criticized for personalized pricing that seemed to take into account factors like age. 

In 2022, Tinder announced that they were phasing out age-based pricing and said they were committed to informing consumers about personalized discounts for premium services in March 2023 after discussions with the European Commission and consumer groups.

Security

Tinder describes its security measures on its security page. 

According to their security page, Tinder’s mission is to “build the best security organization in the world.”

It says it has strict access protocols and network architecture and enforces two-factor authentication (2FA) internally.

Security is integrated throughout the development lifecycle; code and configuration changes undergo design reviews and third-party penetration tests.

The company simulates real-world attacks to find unknown vulnerabilities and focuses on improving security posture continuously. It also continuously logs and monitors access to its systems. 

Apparently, Tinder is the first dating app certified under ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27017:2015, and ISO 27701:2019 for information security and privacy management. It has annual independent audits for SOX and PCI-DSS compliance.

The company also runs a bug bounty program for security researchers to disclose potential issues responsibly.

Privacy

Tinder is not generally seen as good for privacy. 

Privacy issues 

According to the Mozilla Foundation, Tinder’s privacy issues include the following:

• Possible GDPR violations: In 2020, a Norwegian consumer watchdog accused Tinder of “out of control” data sharing with advertisers. 
• Potential deal with an AI company: The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a petition against Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, seeking documents about an alleged agreement with an AI firm. There are reports that users’ photos were used to train facial recognition software.
• Lawsuits over photo verification: For example, one suit claims Tinder failed to obtain proper consent for processing users’ biometric data. 

Unsurprisingly, the Mozilla Foundation has given Tinder a “*Privacy Not Included” label. 

Photo verification data privacy

If Tinder detects unusual activity, it requires a video selfie (“Photo Check”) to confirm that you are real and that you match your profile photos.

During Photo Check, Tinder creates a facial geometry template to compare with your profile photos.

If you complete Photo Check (not full Photo Verification), the biometric data is deleted within 24 hours, and your video selfie is not kept.

If you complete Photo Verification, your facial geometry data is retained for the lifetime of your Tinder account to ensure consistent verification and confirm you hold only one Photo Verified account.

Deleting your account removes stored biometric data (facial geometry).

You can separately request deletion of your two video selfie screenshots via Tinder’s Community team.

Tinder’s privacy policy 

In its privacy policy, Tinder explains what data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it with.

Tinder collects the following information from users:

Data you provide:

• Account data (e.g., phone number, email, date of birth)
• Profile data (e.g., gender, preferences, location)
• Content (photos, videos, chats)
• Purchase data (transaction details)
• Survey/marketing data (responses to surveys, promotions)
• Third-party data (info you share about other people or that’s shared with Tinder by other Match Group apps)
• Customer support data (info given when contacting support)
• Social media data (if you link Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, etc.)

Automatically collected/generated data:

• Usage data (how you use the app, interactions, ads clicked).
• Technical data (IP address, device ID, app settings).

Data collected with permission:

• Geolocation data (if you allow location access).
• Face geometry data (for Photo Verification features).
• ID data (government-issued ID for certain verifications).

Tinder says it uses this data to provide and personalize the service (including user matching and purchases), deliver targeted ads, support research and development, maintain a safe environment, and meet its legal obligations.

It shares your data with other users for visibility and rule enforcement, with service providers and partners for essential operations, with advertising partners for targeted ads, with Match Group affiliates for safety and technical support, with law enforcement when legally required or for user protection, and during corporate transactions like mergers or acquisitions.

Tinder operates globally and may transfer data to the US and other countries.

Tinder keeps personal data only as long as necessary for legitimate business needs or as required by law.

In the event of account closure, Tinder will retain data for a three-month “safety retention window” (one year if banned) to investigate harmful conduct. Certain data may be kept longer to comply with legal obligations or defend against legal claims (e.g., transaction data stored for 10 years).

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ privacy policies, gives Tinder a “Grade E.” This means, “The terms of service raise very serious concerns.”

ToS;DR highlights the following as issues:

• Tinder collects and shares sensitive data for targeted advertising. 
• Tinder shares your personal data with third parties that are not involved in its operation
• You are tracked via web beacons, tracking pixels, browser fingerprinting, and/or device fingerprinting
• This service reserves the right to disclose your personal information without notifying you
• The court of law governing the terms is in a jurisdiction that is less friendly to user privacy protection (Texas, USA)
• You waive your right to a class action.

On the bright side, ToS;DR says that Tinder informs you about the risk of publishing personal information online, and you can choose with whom you share content. 

The Common Sense Privacy Program gives Tinder’s privacy policy a “Warning” rating, which means that Tinder “Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.”

The Privacy Program flags as an issue that Tinder displays personalized advertising and shares information for third-party marketing. On the plus side, it says that Tinder does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. 

So, Should You Use Tinder?

Depends.

Tinder is a legitimate dating app with a large user base. However, like most dating apps, it comes with privacy concerns. 

If you’re uncomfortable with the potential risks (e.g., data sharing, scams, etc.), then you may want to try other methods of finding romance. 

That’s not something we do at DeleteMe but we wish you luck.. 

How to Use Tinder Safely

• Limit how much data you share on your profile. You don’t need to include last names, personal emails, or your full social media handles in your profile. 
• Choose photos you upload on Tinder wisely. Make sure that whatever photos you upload don’t reveal too much personal information. Avoid images with identifiable landmarks or people to protect your and your friends’ privacy. 
• Stay alert for scams. Be cautious if someone moves too fast, declaring love or insisting on “exclusive” contact outside of Tinder after very little interaction. Also, avoid sending money or sharing financial details. Anyone who asks for cash, even a small amount, is a huge red flag. You can sometimes verify if someone is legitimate by reverse image searching their photos (this can sometimes reveal stock pictures or stolen images). 
• Keep personal details private. Don’t share details like your home address, workplace specifics, or daily routine until you really trust the person you’re talking to. 
• Verify before meeting or moving off-app. Chat for a while in-app or via Photo Verification or video calls to confirm the person you’re talking to matches their profile.
• Meet in a safe, public place. Always meet in a public setting (coffee shop, restaurant, bar) for your first few dates. Let a friend or family member know where you’ll be and who you’re meeting. Consider arranging a “check-in” call or text.
• Be aware of location features. Tinder uses approximate location for matching. If you’re concerned, you can turn off precise location (if your phone allows it) or use a broader location to protect your exact whereabouts.
• Report and block suspicious activity. Tinder’s reporting tool allows you to block and/or report a user for inappropriate or scam behavior.
• Limit sensitive information in chats. Avoid sending sensitive content (such as explicit images). Remember, once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.
• Understand how Photo Verification works. Biometric data (facial geometry) is deleted within 24 hours if you only do a “Photo Check.” If you opt for Photo Verification, your facial geometry data is stored for the life of your account to keep your verification badge active.