The vast majority of people you'll meet online are exactly who they say they are. But scams do exist, and a little awareness goes a long way. Here's how to recognise a fake profile or a scammer before they waste your time — or worse.
Common warning signs
- They profess strong feelings unusually fast.
- They always have an excuse to avoid a video call.
- Their photos look too polished, or like stock images or a celebrity.
- They quickly try to move the conversation to another app or platform.
- Their story has inconsistencies that don't add up over time.
The biggest red flag of all: money
No genuine connection will ask you for money, gift cards, or help with a financial 'emergency' — especially someone you've never met in person. This is the single most common scam pattern. The rule is simple and absolute: never send money to someone you met online.
Protect yourself from phishing
Be wary of anyone sending links asking you to 'verify' your account or sign up on an outside website. Legitimate conversations stay inside the app. Don't click suspicious links or enter your login details anywhere but the official site.
When in doubt, report
If a profile feels off, trust that instinct. On Milo Chat, blocking and reporting takes one tap, and our team reviews every report. Reporting a suspicious account doesn't just protect you — it protects the whole community.