Online dating exposes users to a dangerous world

es,” said Maniego. “It’s more common on Grindr, of course, because it’s a hookup app, but also on Tinder.”

Many of these dating apps also lack proper background checks or profile verifications for users, which can lead to dangerous encounters with scammers or catfishes.

Shimon Hayut, known as the “Tinder Swindler,” tricked women into sending him money by presenting himself as Simon Leviev, the son of a billionaire tycoon.

After taking his matches out on lavish dates, he would manipulate them into letting him borrow money. It is estimated that he scammed approximately $10 million dollars from his victims, according to the Netflix documentary “Tinder Swindler.

Community Clinic for Counseling and Educational Services

Located in Education Building Room 155 (562) 985-4991

$15 per session $7.50 for students

USU Beach Balance Program

USU Room 309

Reserve sessions for massage chairs, blood pressure testing and more on the SRWC Go app

Match Group, which owns dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish, partnered with Garbo last year to launch in-app background checks.

For $2.50 and an additional processing fee, users can search their match’s name and phone number through a database. Users may be able to see if their match has a criminal history or is on a sexual offender registry, which they are urged to report.

Additional safety precautions should be taken if people choose to meet up with their match in person. According to Hinge’s safe dating advice, users are urged to meet in public and tell their family or friends about their plans.

“There was one time when I was going over to this person’s house and I sent one of my friends their address,” said Hayes. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna text you every 30 minutes, and if I don’t, then call’.”

Other precautions include not leaving personal items or drinks unattended and having reliable transportation to and from the date.

Incidents can be reported to the dating app or site, but victims are urged to call law enforcement if they are in immediate danger.