An Important Message About Fraud
At eDate, fraud protection and user safety are our highest priorities. Unfortunately, online dating scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using fake profiles, emotional manipulation, and elaborate stories to target unsuspecting users. Understanding how to spot online dating scams and knowing what steps to take can protect you from financial loss, identity theft, and emotional harm.
Dating site fraud takes many forms—from romance scams and money requests to phishing attempts and fake profiles designed to lure you off-platform. Scammers often create attractive profiles, build trust over weeks or months, then exploit that connection to request money or personal information. Our security team works constantly to identify and remove fraudulent accounts, but staying informed about common tactics is your first line of defense.
This page outlines the most common types of online dating fraud, warning signs to watch for, and clear steps to take if you suspect someone is attempting to scam you. For additional safety guidance, visit our dating safety tips page, and if you need to report suspicious activity, please contact our security team immediately.
Please note that each profile on this site has a Report a Problem button located at the bottom of the profile and there is a File a Complaint button on every email. If you suspect that a member is violating our Terms and Conditions or is engaged in illegal activity, please click that link to report them directly to us. As well, you may report any incident or security concern to us.
The following listed guidelines should be used as a basic reference guide to Internet security.
Yours truly,
eDate Security Department
How to Spot Online Dating Scams
eDate has sophisticated on-site email services that allows you to communicate discreetly and anonymously, track your message history with each member and block undesirable members. By using our service, you allow us to do our best to protect your safety, welfare and peace of mind.
Please be wary of members who offer their contact information and ask for yours at the onset of communication. These members are not always who they appear to be and they are potentially attempting to sell you other services, defraud, and scam you. Such behavior is strictly forbidden by the eDate.com Terms of Service.
These types of scammers tend to obscure their email addresses in order to bypass our security measures. Common examples of how scammers and fraudsters obscure their email address are:
- Putting slashes between letters: s/c/r/e/e/n/n/a/m/e/a/t/g/m/a/i/l/d/o/t/c/o/m
- Placing extra words and spaces in the address: screenname at dot ya dot hoo dot mail dotcom
- Spelling email addresses incorrectly: screennameathottymailydotty
Beware of members who ask you for your personal email address in order to send you a photo, claiming that they cannot send one through eDate. This is untrue. It is generally much easier to attach a photo to a message via eDate than it is to do so off-site.
Sometimes you will be invited to use another online instant messenger system such as Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Instant Messenger. The reasons that you will be given for this will range from photo and file exchange to privacy concerns. However, you should be aware that once you leave eDate.com, you will no longer have access to our security services.
Solicitation is forbidden on eDate and we ask you to notify us immediately if another member sends you links to a web site selling a product or service, instructs you to call a 900-number, or asks you for money for any reason. This includes the following:
- Never give out your bank information for any reason. There is no million dollar prize. They only want your bank details to steal your money, or even your identity.
- Beautiful girl/handsome man needs your help! Do not send them money. Scammers routinely use fake pictures of attractive men and women to get you to send money.
- Do not cash checks for strangers. By the time you have sent the fraudster their money, the check they sent will have come back as bad and you will be responsible for the money you sent them.
Protecting Your Safety on eDate
All members are advised to be on the alert for minors posing as adults on this or any other website. Underage members will claim that they are 18 years or older when signing up for the site, but will often reveal in their correspondence that they are lying. Communicating with a minor on this or any other dating site is illegal. If you discover any member under 18-years of age, you should report them to eDate Security immediately, either by clicking on the "Report Abuse" button on their profile, or by emailing us .