How do I spot a romance or investment scam?
Be careful if someone wants to move to another app quickly, or brings up money, crypto, gift cards or an investment opportunity. That’s the usual pattern of romance and investment scams that start on dating apps. Never send money to anyone you’ve met on Steade, and report anyone who asks for it.
Warning signs
- They want to move to WhatsApp, Telegram or another app straight away.
- They talk about an investment, a trading platform or crypto that has worked well for them.
- They ask for money, a loan, a bank transfer or gift cards, often because of a sudden emergency.
- They’re in a hurry, or ask you to keep things secret.
How Steade slows scammers down
- No links or phone numbers for new accounts: For the first 14 days after verification, nobody can send them in chat.
- A reminder when contact details appear: If someone sends you a link, number or messaging app handle, Steade reminds you to take your time and never send money.
- Money talk is flagged: Messages that mention money transfers, crypto, investments or gift cards are flagged for a moderator to check.
- Verified identities: Every member’s identity is checked, so scammers can’t hide behind made-up accounts as easily.
None of this catches every scam, so your own caution still matters most.
What to do
- Don’t send money, crypto or gift cards, and don’t click links you weren’t expecting.
- Report them: tap the menu at the top of the chat, Report, then Asking for money or a scam.
- Leave Also block ticked to end the conversation.
- If you’ve already lost money, contact the police.