Tinder, the mobile dating app with more than 50 million active users each month, is notorious for its problems with spam. Specifically, studies have found that Tinder is rife with fake profiles that are actually spam bots.
Here’s how it works: The spammer sets up a fake profile complete with attractive photos. The bot then proceeds to ‘like’ as many profiles as possible.Those like it in return are then lured in with flirtatious messages. These rouses take many forms, but most involve tempting the unsuspecting person into a live cam session during which the attractive ‘person’ (who is really a bot) promises to undress. Of course, before this can happen, credit card information needs to be submitted to verify the person’s age. In an instant, they’ve given payment details to a spammer.
Spam of this nature may not seem particularly pressing, as it’s easy to dismiss those who fall for it as deserving of the problems they encounter. However, Tinder has been working anxiously to resolve problems with spam, as it reflects poorly on the app.
That’s why, earlier this year, Tinder revealed that it had entered a partnership with TeleSign – a mobile security and fraud prevention company. The partnership began in 2014 but was not revealed until spring of 2015. According to a spokesperson for Tinder, new verification measures that had been introduced for the app have reduced spambots on Tinder by 90 per cent.
Furthermore, a premium version known as Tinder Plus launched early in 2015. This paid version of the app allows extra privileges – such as unlimited likes – and was met by mixed reactions. However, Tinder claims that its premium extension has also been effective in reigning in spambots. By their own estimates, Tinder Plus cut problems with spam in half.