The Prevalence of Fake Profiles
Fake profiles are more common than you might think. According to a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, up to 80% of dating profiles contain at least one lie.1 From my experience, these can range from small fibs about age or height to more serious deceptions, like using someone else's photo or pretending to be single when they're not.
Spotting the Fakes
So, how can you spot a fake profile? Look out for generic, vague, or overly enthusiastic language. Fake profiles often use stock photos or images taken from other users. They may also have few friends or interactions, and their messages may seem scripted or impersonal.2