How to Report a Catfish on Any App or Platform

Report on the dating app first

Every major dating app has a built-in report function. Reporting directly within the app is the most effective first step: the platform can review the account, remove it, and flag the device or IP address used to create it. Don't confront the person before reporting — they will block you, and a blocked user is harder to report on some platforms.

How to report on Tinder

• ▸Open the match or profile you want to report.
• ▸Tap the three dots (more) in the top right corner.
• ▸Select Report, then choose the reason (it's a fake profile or spam).
• ▸Submit. Tinder will review the report and you can then unmatch.

How to report on Bumble

• ▸Open the conversation with the profile.
• ▸Tap the three dots in the top right.
• ▸Select Block and Report.
• ▸Choose the reason and confirm. Bumble reviews reports and can remove accounts that fail their photo verification.

How to report on Hinge

• ▸Go to the profile or conversation.
• ▸Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
• ▸Select Report.
• ▸Choose Fake profile or Scammer and submit.

How to report on Instagram and Facebook

On Instagram, go to the profile, tap the three dots, and select Report. Choose It's a fake account. On Facebook, go to the profile, click the three dots under their cover photo, and select Find support or report. Choose Fake account. Both platforms investigate reports and can remove accounts that violate impersonation policies.

When to report to authorities

If money has been involved, report to your national fraud authority as well as your bank. In the US, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. In the UK, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk. In Australia, to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. In the EU, contact your national consumer protection authority.

Also notify the real person whose photos may have been stolen, if you can identify them. Reverse image search results often reveal the original source. The real person is a victim too and may not know their photos are being used.