Is Hinge Safe: A Look at the Data [2024]

Feeling Worried About Safety and Privacy on Hinge? Understand the Risks and How to Avoid Them

Hinge is one of the most popular dating apps, and for good reason. Billing itself as the app “designed to be deleted,” Hinge offers a personalized dating experience. But, as with many other dating apps, users sometimes wonder about safety and privacy while using Hinge. In this article, we’ll explore whether Hinge is safe to use and offer you some best practices for protecting your privacy and staying safe

Understanding the Risks of Using Hinge

Common Types of Hinge Scams

Let’s take a look at some common Hinge scams to be on the lookout for: 

  • Fake or bot profiles. Such profiles aren’t controlled by fellow human Hinge users; instead, they’re controlled by software that’s designed to infect your phone. 
  • Two-factor authentication scams. Two-factor authentication is a way for you to verify who you say you are. But sometimes scammers who already have access to your username and login will send you a link or a code–ostensibly as a two-factor authentication step–that grants them access to your bank account. 
  • Catfishing. This is the practice of tricking someone into thinking you’re someone you’re not. The Manti Te’o scandal is a famous example of this. 
  • Promoter scams. Such scammers are typically real people, but they’re only on the app to try to promote 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 Hinge Safer than Other Dating Apps? 

While concrete data on Hinge safety are scarce, having a general understanding of the landscape can help you better protect yourself while using the app. 

Statistics on Hinge Scams

There are no specific statistics on Hinge scams. That said, in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission reported that 70,000 Americans were victims of online dating scams.

Data on User Privacy and Security Breaches

While there’s no specific data about user privacy and security breaches, anecdotal evidence suggests that these have been concerns for some users.  

Survey Results on User Experiences

Hinge users report a wide variety of experiences on the app. Many say that they had positive interactions and successful matches. Nevertheless, some users have sounded the alarm about safety concerns. 

While not the most common experience, some users complain of a proliferation of fake profiles. Some others report that they have been on the receiving end of some inappropriate behavior. Given the nature of Hinge’s design and interface–with its emphasis on deep connections–the frequency of these encounters seems to be lower than the experience of other apps. But no app is entirely immune. 

Hinge’s Safety Features

Profile Verification

How It Works

Hinge uses a profile verification process whereby you share a video selfie to confirm your identity. In what the app calls a “Liveness Check,” the app scans your face and determines the video you took is by a real, live person, and not digitally altered in any way. 

Effectiveness

While profile verification processes are highly effective, they don’t work 100% of the time. You should still exercise caution when using the app and be on alert for scams. 

In-App Safety Tools

Block and Report Functions

Hinge gives you the option to block or report users who are making you feel uncomfortable. If someone you’ve matched with is giving you a bad feeling, trust your gut and make use of these features. 

First Date Check-In

Hinge uses a feature known as “first date check-in,” in which the app checks up on you to see how your first date went. This gives you the opportunity to let them know if your date went well and to raise possible red flags about the person.  

Privacy Controls

Managing Personal Information

Be cautious about the information you share. Remember, you’re in control here. Wait before you share personal information, including your age, workplace, or home address. 

Controlling Profile Visibility

Hinge very helpfully allows you to adjust your settings to ensure that only certain people can view your profile. 

Tips for Staying Safe on Hinge

Protecting Personal Information

To protect your privacy, be cautious about the kinds of personal information you share on Hinge. Don’t share your full name, workplace, or home address. 

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

A good rule of thumb: If someone is immediately trying to get you to chat outside the app, or is asking you for money, then you’re probably being scammed. Trust your intuition and report or block the user.

Safe Communication Practices

When you match with someone on Hinge, just message them within the app. There’s no need to give out phone numbers until you’ve really built a rapport with someone – maybe even until you’ve met in-person. If someone tries to take the conversation out of the app too quickly, that should be considered a bit of a red flag. 

Meeting in Public Places

A best practice for first in-person dates is to meet in a public place. It’s also advisable to let some people know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.  

Conclusion

By understanding how to stay safe on Hinge, you can focus on really enjoying your online dating experience. Follow the tips outlined 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.