Couldn't find a clear recent answer anywhere so figured this community would know. Scam operations targeting Western men on Eastern European and Asian dating sites are well-documented.
Latin American dating apps have seen tremendous growth with better verification than older platforms. Background checks and ID verification are becoming standard on premium international dating sites.
European dating apps vary enormously by country — what works in Germany may be dead in France.
Safety practices I always follow:
- Reverse image search is your best friend for quickly vetting any profile photo before investing time.
- Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new online.
- Romance scams follow predictable patterns: quick emotional escalation and requests for money.
- Separate email addresses for dating activity is just good basic digital hygiene.