Best & Worst Dating Apps of 2025 Based on Real Sextortion Cases

Are the popular dating apps that we are all familiar with safe? Unfortunately, the answer is no. In today’s digital age, many things have changed, and one of them is dating. Gone are the days when people would go to bars or other social places to find a partner. Now, it’s easier to turn to technology and use popular dating apps, where people share their pictures and information. All they need to do is swipe left or right, and soon they’ll find a match with someone who feels the same way.

While these dating apps can be fun and a great way to meet someone who could turn into a romantic partner or even a spouse, there is also a darker side to them.

Let’s be clear: no dating application is entirely risk-free. With scammers now able to exploit innocent individuals looking for love, it is important to know the risks. In fact, as scammers have become more prevalent on dating apps, their ability to target users has increased exponentially.

Although danger exists on all dating platforms, some have taken steps to implement safety features designed to protect their users from cyber scams. Knowing which apps are safer than others has never been more important. This article will explore both the safest and the most risky dating apps and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to sextortion.

What is Considered a Safe Dating Application?

While there is dating site or application completely free from the risks of sextortion scams, some software companies have put safety protocols in place to protect their customer base from this cybercrime. Using these features and comparing them against our own data for the number of sextortion cases filed on each of these applications, the Digital Forensics Corp. team have listed the following factors as the most important safety features for any dating app.

Profile Verification: Does the app have systems to verify profiles, preventing scammers from creating fraudulent accounts or using fake pictures?
Scammer Accountability: If a scammer is caught, how difficult is it for them to get back on the platform?
Prevention of Intimate Content: Does the app prevent users from sharing explicit or intimate content?
Oversharing Protection: Does the app discourage oversharing sensitive personal information, like social media links or private data?
Data Breaches: Has the platform experienced a data breach that compromised user safety?

Top 5 Safest Dating Apps

Based on the criteria highlighted above, these dating apps meet the highest standards of safety and security.

Bumble

Bumble requires photo verification, making it harder for scammers to create fake profiles. While it could be bypassed, Bumble’s verification process is difficult for most scammers to manipulate. The app also does not allow the sending of sexual content; if attempted, users can be blocked. Additionally, it offers a block-and-report feature and a Safety & Wellbeing Center.

Hinge

Hinge is designed for users seeking long-term relationships and offers excellent reporting features. Users must share a video selfie to verify their identity, and all user data is encrypted. The app also undergoes third-party security audits to ensure optimal safety.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Catering to busy people looking for long-term relationships, Coffee Meets Bagel has strong moderation features and works with a third-party identity verification company to ensure users’ identities are legitimate.

Match

Match utilizes photo verification, automated screening, and active monitoring of suspicious activity. The app scans profiles for red-flag language and images to prevent scammers from misleading or harming members.

eHarmony

eHarmony is focused on users looking for serious, long-term relationships. The platform uses encryption, SMS verification, and password hashing for security. Their trust and safety team works diligently to protect user data and ensure a safe experience.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Dating Apps

While every dating app carries some risk, some platforms are more susceptible to scams. Below are the most risky dating apps based on reports of scams, poor security practices, and unsafe environments.

Adult Friend Finder

Although the app encourages users to keep conversations on-site and advises them to avoid sharing personal information, it has minimal moderation. Past data breaches and the platform’s focus on sexual encounters make Adult Friend Finder prime digital real estate for scammers and blackmailers.

Ashley Madison

Primarily a platform for married people seeking affairs, Ashley Madison has limited security measures. While it advises users to avoid sharing personal information, money, or sensitive photos, the app has a history of data breaches and is frequently associated with sextortion cases.

Grindr

Grindr is particularly risky due to its anonymous nature and the quick escalation of intimacy. The app has reported numerous sextortion cases. While Grindr offers block and report features and recommends using apps with end-to-end encryption for messaging, the culture of the app can make users vulnerable to scams.

Facebook Dating

Although Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms, its dating service lacks adequate monitoring of scam accounts. There have been reports of sextortion on Facebook, and Facebook administrators advises users to avoid using personal photos and to be cautious with suspicious profiles.

Seeking.com

Known for its “sugar dating” culture, Seeking.com allows scammers to easily target wealthier individuals. While the platform uses reports and AI to monitor and block fraudulent accounts, it still attracts many scammers due to its nature.

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Other Applications of Note

These popular apps did not rank among the safest or most dangerous, but it’s important to be aware of them because of their large user bases:

Tinder

A well-known app for casual dating, Tinder has faced issues with sextortion. It remains popular for short-term relationships and casual encounters, making it more appealing for scammers. As of 2024, the app has launched additional protocols around user verification and preventing users from sending intimate content on the platform.

Badoo

Badoo is widely used for both dating and casual connections, but its lack of strong security features makes it prone to scams. As one of the most downloaded apps in over 20 countries, Badoo attracts scammers due to its unmoderated chats.

OKCupid

With its large user base and wide variety of search filters, OKCupid is prone to fake profiles. Scammers often exploit this platform to target vulnerable users.

Plenty of Fish

One of the earliest dating apps, Plenty of Fish is now known for its fake profiles and bots. Its easy verification process has made it a hotspot for scammers.

Why No App Is 100% Safe

Even though dating apps claim to have robust security measures, no platform is 100% secure. Scammers can bypass even the most advanced systems. Once a conversation is initiated, it becomes easy for scammers to lure victims off the app and onto other messaging platforms, where they can escalate the situation and use explicit photos to blackmail the victim. This is why no dating app is entirely safe. The problem with sex t ortion is that scammers often use the app as a stepping stone to manipulate their victims.

Tips to Avoid Sextortion When Using Dating Apps

While no dating app is completely safe, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself from sextortion and other cybercrimes. Follow these tips to enjoy real connections without falling victim to scams:

Avoid Sharing Explicit Content: It’s not advised to share sensitive or explicit photos with individuals who you are not in a relationship with.
Verify Profiles: Always ask for a photo verification or a video call before continuing conversations. If someone refuses or offers excuses, it’s a red flag.
Stay on the App: Keep conversations within the app’s environment, where it’s monitored for safety. Moving conversations to other platforms like WhatsApp or Snapchat can make you vulnerable to scams.
Watch for Red Flags: Be wary if the conversation quickly escalates to intimacy, if the person asks for money, or if there’s inconsistent behavior. These are signs of potential scammers.
User Privacy Settings: Activate the app’s privacy and safety features, such as blocking or reporting suspicious users.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a person or a conversation, disengage. Report suspicious activity and trust your gut.

The Future of Online Dating Safety

While no dating app is 100% safe, the industry is improving as technology advances. AI moderation, identity verification, and measures to prevent scammers from rejoining apps are some of the most significant improvements. As these features become more widespread, the safety of dating apps will continue to improve.

Do You Need Help?

If you believe you are a victim of sextortion or online blackmail, Digital Forensics Corp is here to help. Contact our Sextortion Helpline at 1-800-849-6515. Our experts are available 24/7, and your call is strictly confidential.

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DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER. DIGITAL FORENSICS CORP. IS NOT A LAWFIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR SERVICES. By viewing posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship, the post should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
The information presented in this article is based on sources that are not readily available to the public and may be subject to restrictions or confidentiality. It is intended for informational purposes only.

Safe Dating in a Digital World: Steering Clear of Sextortion