Bumble is a hugely popular dating app, distinguished by the fact that it puts women in the driver’s seat: For a Bumble conversation to commence, the woman has to initiate it. In recent years, Bumble has also evolved to include the opportunity to form platonic relationships, too.
While Bumble has much to recommend it, no dating app is free of safety concerns. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the risks associated with using Bumble, and what the app does to ensure greater safety.
Understanding the Risks of Using Bumble
Common Types of Bumble Scams
Here are some common types of Bumble scams to watch out for:
Fake or bot profiles. Instead of actual human beings, these profiles are controlled by software that’s designed to infect your phone.
Two-factor authentication scams. Sometimes scammers use this common identity-verifying practice to gain access to your account, and possibly your bank account.
Catfishing. This is when someone uses fake photos and info to lie to you about their identity.
Promoter scams. Promoter scammers are typically real people, but they’re using the app to try to get people to buy their product or go to their bar or club.
Privacy Concerns and Data Breaches
Privacy concerns are data breaches should be top of mind for people who use online services. While Hinge takes precautions to guard against these problems, no app is perfect. If you use Hinge, you need to exercise caution to protect your privacy.
Meeting Strangers: Potential Dangers
Almost by definition, dating apps are designed to connect you to strangers. That’s not inherently problematic, and most Hinge users have good intentions! Still, you’ll want to be careful about how much you share before you really get to know someone.
Is Bumble BFF More or Less Safe than Bumble Dating?
Bumble BFF is an interesting and increasingly popular Bumble feature, specifically designed for making friends – forming platonic relationships rather than romantic ones. Generally speaking, it’s thought to be safer than Bumble dating. That being said, it’s not risk-free. You can still come across scams, fake profiles, and other manner of inappropriate behavior. Any time you’re using an app, it’s important to exercise caution and trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t proceed.
What the Latest Data Says About Bumble Safety
Now let’s take a look at what the recent data suggests about Bumble safety and privacy.
Statistics on Bumble Scams
Unfortunately, Bumble scams do occur. There are no studies of Bumble scams in particular, but, in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission did report that 70,000 Americans were victims of online dating scams.
Data on User Privacy and Security Breaches
People are expressing increasing concerns about privacy and data breaches online, and Bumble has faced scrutiny for its data-sharing practices. While Bumble takes precautions to protect your privacy, no app is perfect. It’s important to limit how much you share on the app and take personal steps to keep your information safe.
Survey Results on User Experiences
Bumble users report mixed experiences on the app. While many have positive experiences, still others have concerns about the app’s security features. Bumble is generally viewed as a safe platform.
Bumble’s Safety Features
Bumble has implemented a number of helpful safety features to protect their users.
Profile Verification
How It Works
Like other popular dating apps, Bumble uses a profile verification feature to allow users to prove that they are who they say they are. It works by having users send real-time selfies, which are then compared to their profile photos. Verified accounts get a blue checkmark on their profiles.
Effectiveness
Profile verification is highly effective, but it’s not 100% effective. Even when interacting with verified accounts, you should still exercise caution about how much you share.
In-App Safety Tools
Block and Report Functions
If you’re ever having an interaction on Bumble that feels suspicious or inappropriate, you have the ability to use the block and report feature. By blocking and reporting suspicious users, you protect yourself and you help other users avoid similarly problematic encounters.
Safety and Wellbeing Center
Bumble has launched a Safety and Wellbeing Center, an evolving resource center to help users have safe and fruitful interactions on the app.
Privacy Controls
Managing Personal Information
Remember, you’re in the driver’s seat; you can control what personal information you share. You can choose to hide certain details, including your age and location.
Controlling Profile Visibility
You also have the ability to control who can see your profile. You can even pause your account, which prevents anyone new from seeing your profile until you’ve un-paused.
Tips for Staying Safe on Bumble
While Bumble has taken steps to ensure your safety, there are also steps you can take. Consider trying some of the best practices listed below.
Protecting Personal Information
In any online communication it is wise to protect your personal information. In your profile and in any conversations you have in the app, you should avoid sharing too many details. Trust takes time to build, so you shouldn’t tell someone you’ve just matched with your full name, address, workplace, or any other important personal details.
Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
There are some dead giveaways when it comes to in-app scammers. If someone is asking you for money or is immediately trying to move the conversation off the app, this should sound alarm bells in your head. Trust your instincts and use the report and block feature.
Safe Communication Practices
This is part of the beauty of dating apps: You can have the conversations right there in the app, without exchanging any personal information! That way, if the conversation goes south, you can simply unmatch and move on. Keep your initial communications within the app. Only share your number if you establish a certain level of trust with your match. If someone is trying to push you into sharing contact details too soon, that should be a red flag.
Meeting in Public Places
If you decide to meet up with one of your Bumble matches in person, go with a public place, at least for the first few dates. Let someone know where you’re going and who you’re meeting, and maybe even share your location with a trusted friend.
Conclusion
By understanding how to stay safe on Bumble, you can be sure to have a richer and more fruitful experience on the app. Bumble takes steps to protect your safety and privacy, and there are also dating safety steps you personally can take. Follow the tips above and stay vigilant.
How Tawkify Ensures Your Safety in Online Dating
Tawkify’s top priority is protecting the privacy and safety of our clients. We conduct criminal record screenings and thoroughly screen all candidates by conducting personal interviews over video chat.
User’s dating profiles are not publicly accessible, and we do not share any of our user’s identity or contact information without permission. With private profiles and a commitment to confidentiality, Tawkify ensures you can focus on connecting with screened potential partners without compromising your safety.
Related Posts
Get Started Toward Your Last First Date
Try Tawkify today. We only accept candidates we believe we can match.
Modern dating in the digital age has made it easier than ever to connect with
new people. However, it’s important to prioritize your safety and security when
getting to know someone new. Whether you’re chatting virtually or planning to
meet in person, these dating safety tips will help you navigate the world of
online dating […]
Online dating has many benefits, from convenience to being able to meet a wide
variety of people. But one thing that has arisen in the digital dating age is
catfishing. As you interact with people online in your journey to find your
person, it’s crucial to know the signs of catfishing — not only to […]
These days, Bumble is practically a household name. It’s certainly a popular
dating app, as it doesn’t have any qualifications or requirements to join,
unlike many other dating apps on the market. But is it worth the hype? We
cover everything you need to know about Bumble, from the concept of women
reaching out first […]