Is Facebook Dating safe to use for finding a serious relationship?

The source discusses the safety of Facebook Dating, noting that scams should be expected on any online dating platform, and this can be particularly worrisome on Facebook due to its notoriety for scandalous fraudulent activity [1]. While Facebook has implemented some security measures like requiring accounts to be active and in good standing for at least 30 days, free of violations, and requiring users to verify identities via ID or video, the requirements are described as the bare minimum [2, 3]. This minimal requirement unfortunately makes it too easy for scammers to use the service [2]. The best way to stop a scammer is by preventing one, emphasizing the importance of user vigilance [3, 4]. The source concludes that Facebook Dating is a good alternative to other dating apps as long as users stay vigilant [3, 4].

What types of scams should I be aware of on Facebook Dating?

According to the source, two common romance scams encountered on Facebook Dating are Sextortion and Catfishing [5]. Sextortion is described as a form of online blackmail where a scammer threatens to publicly release explicit content (like nude selfies or videos) voluntarily sent by the user, demanding large sums of money in exchange [5]. This is typically done quickly [5]. Catfishing is a widespread romance scam where a scammer deceives and manipulates a user by luring them into an online relationship [5]. Unlike sextortion which is quick, catfishing can last for months or even years, potentially leading to victims losing thousands or millions of dollars during that span [6]. Both scam types use fake accounts with fraudulent pictures, videos, and information to lure victims [6].

How can I identify a romance scammer on Facebook Dating?

Signs of a romance scammer on Facebook Dating can vary depending on the type of scammer [6]. Facebook sextortionists will usually quickly request to move conversations outside of Facebook Dating, shower you with compliments ("love-bombing"), use fake images or videos on their profile, or might send inappropriate content to entice you to do the same [7]. Romance scammers and catfishes tend to avoid meeting face-to-face, request large sums of money (especially through untraceable means like crypto and gift cards), mention a sob story that seems too good to be true, or may move the relationship too quickly by confessing love or suggesting marriage early on [7].

What should I do if I suspect I've matched with a scammer on Facebook Dating?

If any of your matches fit the criteria of a scammer, you should report their profile to Meta [8]. For Catfish incidents , you can go to Facebook Dating, find the conversation in "Conversations", click the three dots, select "Scam", and then "Romance Scam" [8]. For sextortion incidents , it is recommended to gather as much evidence as possible, such as screenshots of all your conversations, before reporting [9]. While you may want to block the user, the Chief Technology Officer at Digital Forensics Corporation recommends reporting the user anonymously to help prevent your explicit content from being shared [9]. The steps for reporting a sextortion attempt are similar: go to Facebook Dating, find the conversation in "Conversations", click the three dots, select "Scam", and then choose "Harassment" or "Sharing inappropriate things", attaching your gathered screenshots and answering the prompt [9].

How does Facebook Dating compare to other options like international matchmaking services in terms of safety?

The source suggests that an international matchmaking service can be a safer option compared to online dating platforms like Facebook Dating [10]. This is because matchmaking services typically have a more streamlined process that ensures every registrant is authentic and true [10]. Unlike Facebook Dating's easier account creation process with minimal requirements, registrants for matchmaking services are usually required to undergo an extensive interview process and meet numerous requirements to ensure authenticity [2, 10]. This careful monitoring and checking of each member results in a lower chance of encountering a scammer on matchmaking services [10].

Is Facebook Dating Safe? Reviewing Meta’s Matchmaker

An icon showing one notification on the Facebook app

With its newest dating service comes new possibilities of romance scams on Facebook.

Before Facebook was established, it was Facemash: a “hot-or-not” game where users picked who was more attractive between two people based solely on their pictures.

Two decades later, in 2019, the company brought back the “hot-or-not” system, this time judging only one person: a potential romantic partner.

Facebook Dating (FB Dating) is the platform’s answer to online matchmaking services like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc.

Built onto the platform itself, it is completely free for all Facebook users, and according to Mark Zuckerberg himself, is aimed at “building real long-term relationships - not just hookups.”

It highlighted convenience, letting users create dating profiles quicker than other platforms. But, just like its competitors, it has its own set of problems.

Scams should be expected on every online dating platform, but this can be particularly worrisome on Facebook, which is notorious for scandalous fraudulent activity.

So, is Facebook Dating safe?

Before we dive into that, let’s learn about how it is today.

FB Dating Over the Years

The service is available to every Facebook user aged 18 and above. Simply search “Facebook Dating” on the search bar and you will be brought to its main menu.

Creating a profile is fast, as it scans the existing information posted on your personal Facebook account and recommends what to add to your dating profile.

The platform didn't actually start so well. Taha Yasseri, an Associate Sociology Professor from the University College Dublin, discovered an overwhelming number of fake accounts around the platform.

Three of his matches insisted they communicate through WhatsApp rather than the built-in chat system. When he noticed their WhatsApp names did not match the names on their profiles, Taha concluded he had been matched with some Facebook fraudsters.

According to him, the lack of real users forced Facebook (at this time rebranded to Meta) to allow unverified accounts to lurk around their new dating service.

But it seems that FB Dating has seen a certain resurgence as of late. Brooke Steinberg from the New York Post wrote a piece in 2024 saying that Gen Zs are fed up with other dating apps, and have looked to Facebook to find a match.

According to an Axios report by Analis Bailey, conversations on Facebook Dating have increased by 24% over the last year, with more than half of their young adult users coming back to the platform.

Users have pointed out how all its features are free, and setting up a profile is quick and easy. Additionally, FB Dating separates itself from other matchmaking platforms by allowing users to see who liked them.

It’s clear that the platform has its benefits, but we have to remember the drawbacks. Facebook can be an absolute hellhole for scams and scandals.

Romance Scams on Facebook

Facebook fraudsters will use fake accounts to commit love scams, usually asking for large sums of money

Victor Sobiecki, the Chief Technology Officer at Digital Forensics Corporation, called Facebook “the epicenter of social media scams.” It is the largest among all the platforms, with only a few requirements to start an account.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that around 42% of romance scams on social media were done on Facebook and its sister company, Instagram.

Sobiecki, in a blog on Digital Forensics, mentioned that there are two common romance scams on FB Dating:

Sextortion

This is a form of online blackmail, where the scammer threatens to release explicit content like nude selfies and videos voluntarily sent to them by the user to the public.

This is usually done in a short amount of time, where the scammer continuously asks for huge sums of money in exchange for the content not being sent online.

Catfishing

One of the most common romance scams across all matchmaking services, the scammer entices the user into an online relationship to deceive and manipulate them.

Unlike sextortion, this can go on for months, sometimes even years. Victims can lose thousands, maybe even millions of dollars during that span.

Both scam types use fake accounts with fraud pictures, videos, and information to lure in their victims. They then evoke sympathy by sharing made-up sob stories and life problems.

This can come in different ways, so take note of the different signs of an online romance scammer.

Signs of a Facebook Dating Romance Scammer

Facebook sextortionists will usually:

Quickly request conversations to move outside of Facebook Dating
Showers you with compliments (love-bombing)
Will use fake images or videos on their profile
Might send inappropriate content to entice the user to do the same

Meanwhile, romance scammers and catfishes will:

Avoid meeting face-to-face
Requesting large sums of money, especially through untraceable means like crypto and gift cards
Mention a sob story that is too good to be true
May move the relationship too quickly by confessing their love or directly suggesting marriage

If any of your matches fit this criteria, make sure to report their profile to Meta.

Reporting a Fake Love Scam on Facebook

So, that begs the question: Is Facebook dating safe?

For Catfish incidents:

1. Go To Facebook Dating

2. Go to “Conversations”

3. Locate conversation with suspected scammer

4. Click three dots and select “Scam”

5. Select “Romance Scam”

For sextortion incidents:

You will have to gather as much evidence as you can, so make sure to screenshot all your conversations to send to Meta.

While you may be compelled to block the user, Sobiecki actually recommends reporting the user anonymously to prevent your explicit content from being shared.

Here are the steps for reporting a Facebook sextortion attempt

1. Go To Facebook Dating

2. Go to “Conversations”

3. Locate conversation with suspected scammer

4. Click three dots and select “Scam”

5. Select “Harassment” or “Sharing inappropriate things”

6. Attach the gathered screenshots, and answer the prompt

Is Facebook Dating safe?

The lack of moderation makes any online dating platform controversial. Even one created by one of the biggest tech companies in the world is no exception.

Facebook Dating requirements are the bare minimum, only requiring users to be of legal age to use it. This, unfortunately, makes it too easy for scammers to hop on the service and continue their fraudulent activity.

However, Facebook has set up a few security measures to prevent anyone from joining the platform.

First, accounts should be active, with a good standing, free of community violations and suspensions for at least 30 days. Users must also verify their identities by presenting their IDs or filming a short video.

Despite this, remember that the best way to stop a scammer is by preventing one. Verify matches you may come across through reverse image searches, and never share any explicit content with anyone.

So yes, Facebook Dating is a good alternative to the usual dating apps, as long as users stay vigilant.

If you really want a safer option, you can instead opt for an international matchmaking service.

The Safer Alternative

Compared to online dating platforms, matchmaking services have a more streamlined process, making sure every registrant is authentic and true.

Compared to Facebook Dating’s easier account creation, registrants are required to undergo an extensive interview process, complete with a laundry list of requirements to ensure authenticity.

Because of this, there is a lower chance for you to face a scammer, as each member is carefully monitored and checked.

*****

So, let's go back to the main question: Is Facebook Dating safe?

Facebook’s attempt to bring back the “hot-or-not” concept it started in Harvard has been tainted because of its unfortunately notorious reputation. Despite this, it has garnered a steadily growing user base, enjoying its convenient features.

But it’s hard to maintain a sense of online safety. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your online behavior, so always be vigilant, no matter what platform you use.

In today’s landscape, where a lasting relationship can start from a single swipe, it’s important to know who to trust.

References:

Levin, Sam. 2018. “Facebook announces dating app focused on 'meaningful relationships.'” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/may/01/facebook-dating-app-mark-zuckerberg-f8-conference.

Yasseri, Taha. 2022. “Facebook Dating was set to take over the market – instead it was dead in the water.” The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/facebook-dating-was-set-to-take-over-the-market-instead-it-was-dead-in-the-water-181375.

Steinberg, Brooke. 2024. “Gen Z, millennials surprisingly turn to Facebook Dating to find match — 'fed up' with other apps.” New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/12/03/lifestyle/gen-z-millennials-surprisingly-turn-to-facebook-dating-to-find-match-fed-up-with-other-apps/.

“Facebook Dating attracts more young singles.” 2024. Axios. https://www.axios.com/2024/12/01/facebook-dating-young-singles.

Sobiecki, Viktor. 2025. “Facebook Dating: A Hotbed for Romance Scams and Sextortion.” Digital Forensics. https://www.digitalforensics.com/blog/extortion/facebook-dating-scam/?srsltid=AfmBOoqCet005WfDkgmtsZ6rcZe9A16MXX8kJ5bBvFdvtht3j42kql8V.