Safe Online Dating in the Netherlands
Fake profiles, AI-generated photos and romance scams are real risks in 2026. Here is how to recognise them, protect yourself, and know where to report fraud if something goes wrong.
Why Online Dating Safety Matters in 2026
Most people have good experiences online, but the risks are real and growing. A 2025 Radar (AVROTROS) survey found that around 80% of Dutch dating app users had encountered or suspected fake accounts. Consumer testing by the Consumentenbond went further: it managed to register a fake profile using an AI-generated photo on all eight platforms it tested, including ones that claim to check photos manually.
Financial harm is rising too. The Fraudehelpdesk logged 175 dating-fraud reports in 2025 with around 3.5 million euro in losses, after a sharp jump in 2024. Experts say the true scale is far higher, because shame and fear of being judged keep many victims from reporting. Romance fraud is now recognised as a serious and organised crime category at EU level.
AI has made this harder. A large share of users believe they have encountered AI-written messages, and many admit they cannot reliably spot voice cloning or deepfake video. The good news: a few consistent habits protect you against the great majority of these risks.
Have seen fake accounts
Dating-fraud reports (2025)
Reported losses (2025)
The Main Risks
Fake Profiles
Fake or dishonest accounts are common across platforms. A verified badge only confirms a specific detail like a photo or phone number; it does not confirm someone’s real identity, intentions or honesty. Treat verification as a partial safeguard, not a guarantee.
AI-Generated Photos
AI image tools can create convincing fake profile photos that pass casual checks. Be sceptical of flawless, model-like images, very few photos, or pictures that never show everyday context. A live video call is a much stronger test than any photo.
Romance Scams
Scammers build trust quickly, profess strong feelings early, and avoid meeting in person or doing live video. Many claim to live or work abroad. The emotional manipulation is deliberate and skilled, so being targeted is not a sign of naivety.
“Pig Butchering” Investment Fraud
A growing pattern: months of romance move from a dating app to a private chat, then the person introduces a “great” crypto or investment opportunity. After you transfer money or click a link, it disappears. Never invest on the advice of someone you met online.
How to Protect Yourself
Use Video Before Meeting
Ask for a live video call before meeting in person. A refusal to ever video-call, or constant excuses, is one of the clearest warning signs of a fake profile or scam.
Never Send Money
Never transfer money, share bank details or invest on the advice of someone you met online, no matter how convincing the story. This single rule prevents most financial harm.
Meet Safely and Report
Meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going, and keep personal details private until you trust the person. Report suspicious profiles to the platform so others are protected too.
Privacy and Your Data
GDPR Rights
EU privacy rules apply to any dating platform processing data of people in the Netherlands, wherever the company is based. You have rights to access your data, correct it, and request deletion (the right to be forgotten), among others.
Share Less
Apps should only collect what they need and keep it only as long as necessary. On your side, limit what you reveal in your profile and early chats: full name, address, workplace and routine are best shared later, in person.
Sensitive Data
Platforms must get explicit consent to process sensitive information such as sexual orientation. Review privacy settings and consider what is visible to other users versus the platform itself.
Clean Up When You Leave
If you stop using a platform, delete your photos and profile data and request account deletion rather than just logging out. This limits how long your information stays in circulation.
Where to Report in the Netherlands
Fraudehelpdesk
The Dutch national fraud reporting centre collects reports of dating and romance fraud. Reporting helps build a clearer national picture, even in cases where recovering money is unlikely.
Politie (Police)
If you have lost money or been threatened, the Dutch police advise filing a report. Break off contact with the fraudster, block their accounts, and keep printouts of correspondence, photos and any bank transfer details.
Slachtofferhulp Nederland
Dutch victim support offers help after fraud. Victim-blaming is a real and harmful problem; being deceived by a skilled scammer is not a personal failing, and support is available without judgement.
The Platform Itself
Report the profile to the dating platform as well. This can help them remove the account and protect other users, and it creates a record of your concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are fake profiles on Dutch dating apps?
Very common. A 2025 Radar (AVROTROS) survey found around 80% of Dutch dating app users had encountered or suspected fake accounts. Consumer testing also registered a fake AI-photo profile on all eight platforms tested, including ones that claim to check photos.
Does profile verification make a platform safe?
It helps but does not make a platform safe on its own. Verification confirms a specific detail, such as a photo or phone number, not a person’s real identity or intentions. Consumer testing has shown that fake profiles can still pass verification, so your own habits matter most.
What are the warning signs of a romance scam?
Common signs include strong declarations of love very early, always having a reason not to video-call or meet, claiming to live or work abroad, and eventually asking for money or steering you toward an investment. If you see this pattern, stop contact and consider reporting it.
What is “pig butchering” fraud?
It is a scam where a fraudster builds a romantic relationship over weeks or months, moves the chat to a private app, then introduces a supposed investment, often in cryptocurrency. After you transfer money or click a link, it is gone. Never invest based on someone you met online.
What should I do if I have been scammed?
Stop all contact and block the person, then keep evidence such as messages, photos and transfer details. You can report to the Fraudehelpdesk and to the police, report the profile to the platform, and reach out to Slachtofferhulp Nederland for support. Being scammed is not your fault.
What privacy rights do I have on dating apps?
Under EU privacy rules that apply in the Netherlands, you can access the data a platform holds on you, have it corrected, and request deletion, among other rights. Platforms must get explicit consent for sensitive data and should not collect more than they need. When you leave, delete your data rather than just logging out.
Date Online With Confidence
A few steady habits, video before meeting, never sending money, and sharing less, prevent most problems. When you are ready, compare platforms via our overview of dating sites or the best dating sites by user type.
See the PlatformsThis page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.