Scammers in Grindr

Lately, I’ve sensed a shift in tactics by scammers in Grindr.

Sometime back, scammers tend to have nice pics on their profiles and they would send messages that go something like “are you looking for a friend or a relationship”. I would block them whenever I get such messages. After a while, I was able to see some patterns. I can almost categorise my block list into different persons based these patterns. For example, I noted one group has identical profile photos but slightly different names structure eg, all the name starts with “m” all in small caps (m, mk, mm, mr). Or another group that has similar names (“kuan” stands out as the most common) but different photos. After blocking them consistently, I have gradually gotten lesser messages from such profiles.

Then, I started getting messages from blank profiles with names like “wi”. And all their messages start with something simple, such as a “hi” or “hello”, followed by a picture of a cute guy. Interestingly, I do get different profiles attaching the same photo. Added to that, the clearest telltale sign is that the guys in the picture look like they are from China. I had initially replied a couple of the messages but started blocking them when I saw telltale signs such as them asking “do you speak Chinese” or calling Grindr “software”. Also, once you reply them, they’d almost immediately ask “can we exchange Telegram or WhatsApp because I don’t usually use this software often”.

And the latest for me are profiles that explicitly state in their profile, in Chinese - regardless of simplified or traditional - that “they are not looking for fun but seriously looking for friends to chat or a relationship”. And then they will add “scammers keep away”. I am still not very sure if these are scammers as the profile seemed believable. But I am not replying to their messages as yet although some are quite insistent and have sent repeated messages. Let’s just observe and see. 

Common to all these profiles above? 

• Age - 30s to early 40s
• Race - Asian
• Role - Versatile
• Height - 1.8-ish
• Weight - 70-ish kg
• Details often include the word “sincere”

And one more thing I noticed - I get their messages when I reflect my age in my profile. But once I removed my age, I hardly get messages from such profiles. It suggests that these scammers go for specific groups of people, particularly those that they think are better off and they target people’s insecurities and wants. Regrettably, in the gay circle, insecurities (tangible or otherwise) are real and aplenty, and many seek pleasures and gratifications.