How to Spot Fake Profiles and Time Wasters on Lifestyle Apps

In the world of lifestyle dating, finding real connections is the goal. But unfortunately, not every profile you come across is genuine. From fake profiles to serial time wasters, knowing how to spot red flags early can save you time, frustration, and potential disappointment.

Here’s how to separate the real from the fake when navigating lifestyle apps.

1. Their Profile Feels Too Good to Be True

If a profile seems too perfect, like supermodel quality photos, vague descriptions, and no personality, well, you may be dealing with a fake account.

Red Flags:

• Professionally shot photos (especially with watermarks)

• Very little written in their bio

• Overly generic interests (e.g., “We love to have fun” with no real details)

• Unrealistic claims (e.g., “We’re a young, fit couple who only plays with supermodels”)

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Reverse image search their photos using Google or TinEye. If the images are stolen, you’ll find them elsewhere online.

2. They Avoid Video or Voice Chats

A real couple (or single) will eventually be open to FaceTiming, sending a voice note, or hopping on a quick video call. Fake profiles and catfish avoid this at all costs.

Common Excuses:

• “We’re too shy to video chat.”

• “My camera is broken.”

• “We’ll meet in person soon, no need to video chat.”

• “I travel a lot, so I can’t FaceTime right now.”

✅ Swingosphere Tip: If they dodge video or voice verification, move on. A simple “We’d love a quick FaceTime or voice note before meeting” is a great test.

3. Their Conversation Feels Scripted or Generic

Real lifestyle couples have chemistry and personality. If someone responds in a robotic way or avoids answering direct, personal questions, they could be fake.

Signs of a Fake or Time-Wasting Chat:

• Responses that don’t match your questions

• One word replies like “Cool,” “Nice,” or “Sexy”

• No signs of curiosity about you or your interests

• Sudden love bombing (“We’ve never met anyone like you!” too soon)

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Throw in a specific question and see how they respond. Example:

“What’s your favorite part of a lifestyle event?”

If they dodge the question or give a vague response, that’s a red flag.

4. They Won’t Confirm Their Real Location

Some fakes claim to be in your area but get weirdly evasive when you suggest meeting up. Time wasters and scammers do this to keep you engaged without ever committing.

How to Test Them:

• Ask them where they like to go out in your city

• Mention a local club or event and see if they know it

• Suggest meeting for drinks at a neutral public place

✅ Swingosphere Tip: A real person interested in meeting will engage with local references and won’t be afraid to discuss logistics.

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5. They Push for External Messaging Too Quickly

Some fake profiles try to get you off the app immediately onto platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Snapchat. Why? Because they can’t be reported on the app once they disappear.

Red Flags:

• Asking for your number before a real conversation happens

• Immediately directing you to “exclusive” chats like Telegram

• Sending links to external websites (scams)

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Keep all chats on the app until you feel comfortable. Apps with verification systems offer an added layer of security.

6. They Ask for Money or Sketchy Requests

This is a dead giveaway. No real lifestyle couple or single is asking for payment, gift cards, or “travel expenses” before meeting.

🚩 Common Scams:

• “I need gas money to come see you.”

• “We only play with people who pay for our drinks first.”

• “I’m stuck overseas but would love to meet when I get back but can you send a little something to help?”

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Never send money or give out financial info. If someone brings up money before meeting, block and report them.

7. They Repeatedly Flake on Plans

Not every fake profile is a scam. Some are just time wasters who enjoy the attention but never follow through.

🚩 Signs of a Time-Waster:

• They set up dates but always cancel last minute

• They constantly push meeting “next week” but never commit

• They text endlessly but never move forward

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Give them one reschedule, then if they cancel again, move on. Your time is valuable.

8. They Avoid Talking About Boundaries or Expectations

Real lifestyle couples talk openly about what they’re looking for. Fake profiles? Not so much.

🚩 Red Flags:

• “We’ll just see what happens.” (But never clarify what they want.)

• Ignoring questions about boundaries and comfort levels.

• Trying to push for details without offering their own.

✅ Swingosphere Tip: Ask direct questions like:

“What’s your play style?” or “How do you usually connect with new people?”

If they can’t answer, they’re likely not serious.

Trust Your Gut & Stay Smart

Fake profiles and time wasters are out there, but with the right awareness, you won’t waste your energy on them.

✅ Key Takeaways:

✔️ A real profile has engagement, chemistry, and follows through.

✔️ A fake or time waster avoids video chats, cancels plans, and keeps things vague.

✔️ Always trust your instincts so if something feels off, move on.

🔥 Your turn: Have you encountered fake profiles or time wasters? What are your best tips for spotting them? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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—Steven & Ember Shell | The Swingosphere