Ashley Madison is a dating website used by people who are looking for a discreet and exciting affair outside their marriage or relationship.
With millions of users worldwide, it has gained a reputation for being the go-to platform for finding that extramarital spark.
However, as with many dating websites, Ashley Madison is not immune to the issue of fake profiles and that’s why today we will take a look at the dark world of online dating deception and give you some ideas on how to spot fake profiles on Ashley Madison.
These fake profiles are usually created by scammers to lure unsuspecting individuals into inappropriate situations, phishing scams, or even extortion.
By knowing how to identify these fake profiles, you can save yourself from potential heartbreak and financial loss.
Also, don’t forget to use VPN when using Ashley Madison so that no one can see your online activity.
Don’t miss: 110+ Best Ashley Madison Opening Lines and About Me Profile Examples
How to Spot Fake Profiles on Ashley Madison?
1. Profile pictures seem too good to be true
If the person in the profile picture looks like a supermodel, chances are it’s not real.
Scammers often use stolen or stock images of attractive people to attract more victims. Reverse image search tools like Social Catfish can help you determine if the picture is stolen from another website.
A good tip is to take notice of any inconsistencies between the pictures and the person’s physical description on their profile.
For example, if their profile says they’re a brunette, but their pictures show a blond woman or if they claim to be of a certain height that doesn’t match the appearance in their photos.
2. Blank or minimal profile information
A profile with little to no information may indicate a fake account.
Most real users take the time to fill out their profiles with personal details, hobbies, and interests, while scammers might leave this section blank or only include generic information.
Another red flag is when the user’s self-description seems to have been copied and pasted from another website.
3. Immediate requests for personal information
If someone you’ve just connected with starts asking for personal details such as your email address, phone number, or financial information right away, be wary.
This could be a scammer trying to gather sensitive data to exploit you. Most people will usually take the time to get to know you before asking for personal information.
Watch out for those who try to pressure you into revealing details by claiming they’ve had bad experiences before and need reassurance that you’re genuine.
4. Poor grammar and spelling
While everyone makes mistakes, excessive grammar and spelling errors might be a sign that the person behind the profile is not a native English speaker.
Many online scams originate from countries where English is not the first language.
A good tip is to look for inconsistencies in their use of language; for example, if they claim to be from an English-speaking country but consistently struggle with basic grammar and spelling.
5. Their location keeps changing
If the person claims to be from one location on their profile but always seems to be traveling or living elsewhere, this may be a sign of a fake account.
For example, if their profile states they’re from New York, but during your conversations, they mention living in Los Angeles, this should raise suspicions.
Don’t miss: 13 Ways to Tell If Someone is Real or Not on a Dating Site
6. Refusal to video chat or speak on the phone
If someone refuses to speak on the phone or video chat, despite having a seemingly strong connection with you, it could be because they’re not who they claim to be.
Video and voice calls can easily reveal whether someone’s appearance and voice match their profile.
A common excuse might be that their camera is broken or they don’t have a stable internet connection.
7. Stories that don’t add up
Pay attention to the stories your new online flame is sharing. If there are inconsistencies or contradictions, it’s possible they’re not being honest about who they are.
For example, they may claim to have a high-paying job but later mention struggling with finances or describe their family in different ways throughout your conversations.
8. Suspicious URLs in messages
Scammers might try to send you links that lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.
Be cautious when clicking on any links sent by someone you just met online, especially if the URL looks suspicious.
Sometimes these links may appear as shortened URLs (like bit.ly), which can hide the true destination of the link.
Instead of clicking on these links directly, consider copying and pasting them into a search engine to see what comes up before deciding whether it’s safe to visit.
9. Frequent excuses for not being able to meet in person
If your online flame always has reasons for why they can’t meet up, this could be because they’re hiding something or might not even exist at all.
Common excuses might include work-related travel, family emergencies, or health issues.
While these reasons may be legitimate, it’s important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism if the person consistently avoids meeting face-to-face.
10. Requests for money
One of the most obvious red flags is when someone you’ve never met starts asking for financial help.
Scammers often prey on people’s emotions to manipulate them into sending money.
They might claim to need funds for medical emergencies, travel expenses to meet you, or even as proof of your commitment.
No matter how convincing the story may be, remember that most real people will rarely, if ever, ask for money from someone they’ve never met in person.
Don’t miss: 10 Real Reasons Why A Guy Cheats On His Girlfriend With You
11. Seemingly perfect compatibility
If your new match seems too good to be true, they probably are. Scammers will try to mirror your interests and hobbies to build a connection quickly.
This might involve creating a profile that aligns perfectly with your preferences or showing a strong interest in everything you share with them.
Be cautious if the person you’re chatting with appears overly agreeable or always shares your opinions.
12. Over-the-top declarations of love
If someone claims to be madly in love with you after only a short time, be cautious. This is often a tactic used by scammers to create a strong emotional bond.
Declarations of love might come along with grand gestures, such as promises of extravagant gifts or plans for the future together.
13. Multiple profiles with the same photo
If you come across multiple profiles with the same photo, at least one of them is likely fake.
Scammers sometimes create several accounts using the same stolen image to increase their chances of finding victims.
14. Messages with awkward phrasing
Many scammers are not native English speakers and may struggle with idiomatic expressions, resulting in awkward phrasing in their messages.
For example, they might use overly formal language or outdated expressions that native speakers rarely use.
Also, be wary of messages that seem to have been translated directly from another language using online translation tools, as these can sometimes result in inaccurate or unnatural-sounding phrases.
Don’t miss: 16 Pros and Cons of Open Relationships and Marriages
15. A username with strange numbers or characters
A username filled with random numbers or characters might indicate a scammer who has created multiple accounts and uses a username generator.
These usernames might appear nonsensical or unrelated to the person’s profile information, making them stand out from the typical usernames.
16. Overly intimate messages
Be cautious if someone sends you dirty messages or photos early on in your interaction because this could be a sign of a scammer trying to manipulate you.
If someone is pushing for intimate content early on, it could be a sign that their primary goal is not to connect with you but rather to exploit you in some way.
17. They pressure you to leave the dating platform
If someone wants you to move your conversation off Ashley Madison and onto another platform right away, it is a red flag.
Scammers often prefer chatting through email, text, or apps like WhatsApp because it allows them greater control over the conversation and makes it harder for their activities to be tracked.
18. They promote get-rich-quick schemes
Scammers may try to lure victims into financial scams by promoting too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities or get-rich-quick schemes.
These scams might involve cryptocurrency, forex trading, or other high-risk investments that promise unrealistic returns.
19. Trust your gut
If something feels off about the person you are chatting with, trust your instincts. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to online dating.
You may notice subtle inconsistencies in their stories or feel that their behavior is not quite right.
If you have any doubts about the person you’re chatting with, consider taking a step back and reevaluating the situation before proceeding further.
Read next: 27 Rules for Having an Affair with a Married Man
