Popular dating app Tinder has recently been subject to a number of fake profiles and stolen photographs which have been linked to potential scam activity. If you use Tinder, you need to be wary of the information you are giving away, and who you might (or might not) be talking to.

Users of Tinder swipe through photos of potential mates using their mobile devices, approving or rejecting profiles to create ‘matches’ with other users who are nearby.

In a recent case, security vendor Bitdefender has warned that stolen images of women and fake Tinder profiles have been used to lure users into clicking a link to a suspicious website.

Fake profiles on Tinder can be difficult to identify and have previously been used for malicious activities such as collecting personal information, distributing malware or other fraudulent activities.

In this latest case, if you are matched with the fake profile, a bot (computer) attempts to engage you in an automated text-chat, which tries to convince you to click on the link. The link takes you to an official looking page, Facebook will not allow the web address which has since been removed as they have blocked it if you want the address email us, which included targeted content such as fraudulent surveys and competitions, or ads for mobile games.

These could be a ploy to capture your personal information, install further malware or possibly undertake advertising fraud. The content has varied between locations and users.

Popular (and legitimate) game, ‘Castle Clash’ has, in particular, been reported as being frequently promoted by the bots. Its developer has stated that it is not responsible, and that it is also a victim of this scam.

The bot’s message typically will introduce itself by saying, 'hey', 'how are you doing?' before saying 'I'm relaxing with a game on my phone, castle clash… have you heard about it?'

Regardless of your response, the bot shares the link for the fake website.

Tinder says it is aware of the problem and has been working to remove the fake profiles, however, this is not the first time Tinder has suffered from fake profiles.