Protect Yourself from Violence, Scams, and Catfishing on Grindr
25 Jul 2024
In recent years, we’ve seen an unsettling rise in incidents of violence targeting our communities, with several “gay bashings” being reported.
These attacks are often connected to meetups arranged through online dating and hook-up apps like Grindr. News articles about Grindr users who have been “gay bashed” by malicious matches are a reminder of the need for online safety practices.
Whilst Grindr can be a valuable resource for finding sex and community connection, users must also remain wary of catfishing, online dating scams, and potential hate crimes.
Let’s discuss some safety tips and how to report suspicious behaviour, including how to speak to an LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer (LLO) at the police.
1. Protect Your Identity
Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, home address, or workplace. Be cautious about linking your Grindr profile to other social media accounts. Users who ask for your logins or passwords for any online accounts should be treated with suspicion and reported or blocked.
2. Verify Before Meeting Your Grindr Date
Beware of catfish! Before agreeing to meet someone in person, verify their identity. Video or voice call them to ensure the person you’re speaking to matches their profile pictures. This step can help you avoid catfish or malicious individuals posing as someone else.
If you’d like to put on your detective hat to investigate your match and avoid a potentially awkward call, you can read more on how to suss out a catfish here.
3. Stay Updated on Online Dating Scams
Keep informed about the scams and threats targeting Grindr users. Some common Grindr scams involve the scammer asking you to prove your love or loyalty by transferring money to them.
You should also watch out for phishing attempts, blackmail, and fake or suspicious profiles. Regularly check Grindr’s safety blog for updates.
4. Use Grindr’s Safety Features
Grindr offers various safety features designed to protect users. Use the app’s block and report functions if you encounter harassment, threats, or any inappropriate behavior. The app also allows you to share your live location with trusted contacts for added security during meet ups.
5. Report and Find Support
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime or violence, report the incident to the authorities and seek support from local LGBTIQ+ organisations.
We know our communities are often mistrustful of police – they have a history of turning a blind eye, or even participating in assaults and other crimes against LGBTIQ+ people. In an emergency, you should always call 000, but if you want to report a suspicious account or attempted scam, you can call your local station and ask to speak to an LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer (LLO). LLOs are police liaison officers who are LGBTIQ+ themselves. You won’t have to explain what Grindr is or feel like you’re being judged.
Thorne Harbour Health also offers a range of services, including counselling and support groups. If you’ve been a victim of any online or in-person crime, it might help to speak to someone about how it’s affecting you. Call our friendly intake team on (03) 9865 6700 to find a service.
While Grindr and similar apps play an important role in our communities, users need to prioritise their safety. By adopting these measures, you can reduce risks and continue to enjoy your favourite dating and hook-up apps.