Why does my Tinder match want to move to WhatsApp straight away?
Scammers want to leave the dating app quickly because the app can detect and ban fake profiles, while WhatsApp does not. Once you are on WhatsApp they keep your number even if the profile is removed.
Plenty of real people also prefer WhatsApp. The difference is the rush: a scammer pushes for your number before you have had a normal conversation, and often says the app "does not work for them" or they are "about to delete it".
What to do
- Stay on the app until you have had a real conversation and ideally a video call.
- If they insist, ask why. Pressure and vague excuses are a sign.
- When you do share a number, check which country their number is from and whether it is a virtual number.
- Screenshot the dating profile before it disappears, so you still have the photos and the name.
- Never share your home address, workplace or ID number with a match.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safer to give them my number or get theirs?
- Get theirs. Then you can check it before you send a single message.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
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