Fake profiles have been ruining the fun of online dating for far too long. And with the rise of AI and deep fakes, it’s only getting worse. It is just so easy for scammers and bad-faith actors to create realistic profiles using generative AI, which can easily falsify photos, videos, and profile bios. AI can even mimic humans in text conversations. Vigilance in online dating and hookup apps has never been more important.
AdultFriendFinder one of the world’s longest-running and largest online dating sites. It’s also chock-full of adult content, with eye-popping nudity in every corner of the site and its interface. That’s why it’s been a breeding ground for scammers over the years. Users are horny and susceptible to nefarious fakery. And while AFF likes to boast about its huge user base — it has hundreds of millions of accounts worldwide — many of these accounts are, in fact, inactive or bots.
The good news is that it doesn’t need to ruin your AFF experience. You just need to use judgment when you’re on the site. Here are the best tips for sorting legit profiles from fake.
Prioritize verified accounts
AFF is well aware of the fake profile issue and has implemented robust safeguards that will give users peace of mind. AdultFriendFinder now encourages you to verify your profile via the Confirm ID service. This two-step process is effective, but it isn’t a hassle to action, which some verification processes absolutely can be in 2026.
The first step is providing AFF with a piece of government-issued identification. The site will then scan your face using your webcam. It’s a catch-all verification process that verifies not just your age but also your age, location, and gender. Once complete, AFF will add a blue checkmark on your profile, signaling to other users that you are indeed a genuine person. And don’t worry about the face scan — you don’t have to show your face on AFF (even if you plan on showing plenty more).
Once you’ve verified your profile, it’s a good idea to limit your on-site interactions to other verified profiles as well. If you do decide to chat with unverified people, be especially vigilant about not sharing personal information.
Finally, don’t assume that because a profile is verified, it is also legitimate. Accounts can be sold or stolen, so treat profile verification as a positive sign rather than an absolute indication of legitimacy.
Scrutinize their photos
Because people curate their own profiles, the photos they choose to share speak volumes about them, so if you’re at all suspicious that you may be viewing a fake account, take a closer look at the pics the person has shared. If they look AI-generated, if they’re all of professional quality, or if they’re incredibly generic, hit pause for a second — these are all immediate red flags.
To take things a step further, you can use a reverse image search on Google to see whether the photos appear elsewhere. If they do, chances are they’re not original to the person or profile. You can also use a service like ZeroGPT or Sightengine to test whether they’re AI-generated.
Just as you look for red flags, you should also look for green flags, which include photos with friends or groups, a mix of selfies and more staged shots, and photos featuring unique landmarks specific to your location, such as a well-known store, restaurant, or public area. These are all positive signs that your new connection is a real person.
Engage in conversation
If you’re on the fence about whether or not a profile is fake, the next step is to actually talk to the person (or bot?) in question. This doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, though — far from it. Pay very close attention to the things the other person says, the questions they ask, and the replies they give. Here are some common warning signs that indicate you’re connecting with a scammer or bot:
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They push for specific information about you early in the conversation
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They send links to outside websites or chat platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram
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They tell you a sad story to create a sense of urgency in you
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They ask for nude or compromising photos of you
If you’re still uncertain, you can request a video call or an in-person meet-up in a public place. Scammers will be reluctant to verify their identities over video calls and especially reluctant — or even incapable — of meeting in person.
Finally, remember that while all of the above are useful guidelines, they’re not iron-clad or foolproof. A clever scammer, catfisher, or bad actor will always find ways to circumvent these safeguards. Remember to always be cautious about whom you speak to, what you share, and under what circumstances — especially when it comes to giving out personal or financial information.
