You’ve heard of Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, but Pure is a less mainstream dating platform that is catching traction. Launched in 2013, the platform was originally created to be an anonymous hookup app. However, Pure has transformed into a platform that prioritizes safety and security. There is a misconception that anonymous dating apps are safer from scams. However, Pure still has many scams and malicious actors on the app. This guide explores the Pure dating app scams to be aware of and how to protect yourself.
What is the Pure App?
Pure is a dating platform that puts an emphasis on sex positivity. The app keeps profiles anonymous and focuses on matching people based on their hobbies and sexual interests. Unlike other dating platforms that allow users to swipe for profiles, Pure users create and post ads. Ads are anonymous posts that describe what a user is looking for in association with certain people or experiences. Users post an ad and then swipe through other ads to find someone that they are interested in. However, in order to post an ad, you have to pay a subscription fee.
How Pure Protects Users from Scams
Pure allows all users to have full anonymity and control over their personal information. The platform doesn’t even have access to your email. This can be a form of protection, but it also can empower scammers to catfish and deceive potential victims. Pure has implemented multiple safety features over the years to protect users from scams. The following are the most common tools that users should know about.
Anonymity on the Platform
Pure only asks for a user’s date of birth. It doesn’t ask for your name or email. However, the app does allow users to upload images to their profile or in their ads. The platform also requires users to display their location. There are ways to fake your location, but this can be a revealing detail.
Despite the anonymity, scammers will use strategic tactics to uncover a target’s personal information. They may attempt to steer conversations onto other messaging apps or ask to follow your social media.
Self-Destructing Images and Videos
Pure has a self-destruct feature that destroys an image or video after a recipient opens it. Messages are also self-destructing. When you first match with someone, all chats expire after 24 hours. You and your chat partner can also agree to turn off the timer after you get to know each other.
Photo Verification
Pure’s photo verification is a process to verify the identity of users. It takes under a minute, and verified users get a badge along with special features. The process is as follows:
- Edit your profile and click on “start verify”.
- Add at least one selfie with your face being fully visible to an ad.
- Follow the pose prompt.
However, the photo verification process is optional. Hackers can also get around the verification process to receive a badge inauthentically.
Screenshot Feature Disabled
The platform deactivated the ability to screenshot as a deterrent to Pure dating app scams. When users attempt to screenshot on Pure, they only capture a black screen. However, there is nothing to stop someone from capturing messages, images, or videos using a second device.
In-Chat Scam Notifications
Pure detects common words that scammers use in chats. When these trigger words are detected, users will be sent an alert from the platform. The alert notifies users of suspicious language, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the sender is a scammer.
Pure’s Reporting System for Scams
Pure has a reporting system for users to notify the platform of any behavior that may violate community standards. Users can report ads in the main feed or inappropriate direct messages.
The Downsides to Using the Pure App
Every dating platform has downsides, and Pure is no different. While the app is a great opportunity for some, there are downsides that interested parties should be aware of. Here are the main drawbacks to using the Pure app.
- Subscription-based dating platform. Most dating platforms have optional subscriptions. However, Pure requires users to subscribe to gain access to the full app. The free tier only allows users to create a profile and discover limited ads.
- Small user base. Pure is not well-known or mainstream. It has a niche audience and low number of users. For a dating platform, this can make it difficult to find local connections.
Common Pure Dating App Scams
You should always be cautious when trying out online dating. There are a variety of schemes on dating platforms. On Pure specifically, scams commonly use deception as a weapon. Here are the main Pure dating app scams to watch out for.
- This is when a criminal poses as an attractive individual to lure victims into a fake relationship. After building trust, they trick the victim into sending intimate images or videos. They then blackmail the victim with their own explicit content for monetary gain.
- Romance Scams. Similar to sextortion, cybercriminals will use fake profiles to lure victims into a relationship. They take their time to build a romantic connection with the victim, gaining trust. Once a relationship is strong enough, they will create emergency scenarios in which they require money urgently. Things like hospital bills or paying rent are commonly used in romance scams.
- Phishing Scams. Using deceptive tactics, scammers will pose as trusted entities or individuals to trick users into revealing sensitive information. They may direct users to click on links that infect devices with malware. It’s also common for scammers to lure victims into entering login credentials on a malicious website. Examples include criminals posing as cam girls or Pure support staff.
Pure Dating App Scam Tactics
Pure puts an emphasis on anonymity, which fosters an environment of sexual liberation. However, anonymity also empowers scammers. Cybercriminals will use catfishing tactics to steal images and create fake profiles. It’s difficult to verify an identity without a name associated with a profile. They may reveal it in conversation, but it’s risky to engage with a scammer to that extent. The best way to protect yourself from a Pure dating app scam is to recognize the red flags. Below are some of the warning signs to look out for.
- Steering the conversation off Pure. Scammers will attempt to steer the conversation off dating platforms and onto instant messaging apps. This gives them more freedom to lure the victim into different schemes without oversight.
- Avoiding face-to-face interactions. In Pure dating app scams, catfishers pretending to be someone else will avoid face to face interactions at any cost. There will be constant excuses to get out of video calls or in-person meetings.
- Rapid development of intimacy. Scammers want to build trust with potential victims quickly. They will “love bomb” their target, professing intense feelings of affection in a short amount of time. It’s also common for cybercriminals to shower the victim with constant attention.
- Profile seems too good to be true. More than anything, you should always trust your gut when it comes to dating apps. Online interactions that ring alarm bells are likely doing so for a reason. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of a Pure Dating App Scam
If you are the target of a Pure dating scam, your sensitive information might be at risk. You need to prioritize protecting yourself while also bringing the proper evidence to the correct agencies. Furthermore, it’s also important to minimize the risk of your information getting released publicly. Our experts have created a list of steps to take when responding to a Pure Dating App scam.
Save All the Evidence
As a victim of an online scam, you should preserve all the evidence of the crime. Save the messages, profiles involved, and anything else that is relevant. It’s vital to document the evidence and preserve it for reports to law enforcement agencies.
Report the Scam to the Platform
Make sure to report the evidence to the Pure dating app. There is a reporting system that takes action against users who violate the platform’s community standards. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to report scams on Pure.
- Click on the three dots and select “Report”.
- Choose between unsolicited nudes, abusive behavior or bullying, fake profiles, sex services, scam or fraud, under 18, selling drugs.
- Submit your report.
Notify the Authorities
If you are being blackmailed or lost money to a scam, report it to the local authorities. They can help you file a report, officially documenting the evidence. Law enforcement can also help investigate and uncover the identity of the perpetrator.
Furthermore, victims should report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 fields cybercrime reports across the country and provides federal agents with a database of cases to investigate. You can file a report to the IC3 through their website.
Work with Expert Cyber Investigators
Private cybercrime experts can provide critical support to victims of online scams. These specialists can perform their own investigations, following the online data left behind by perpetrators. Digital forensic experts are well-versed in the tactics of cybercriminals and how to recover after being targeted. Cyber Investigation, for example, is a cybersecurity firm that helps scam victims 24/7 and prioritizes protecting private information from exposure. If you fell victim to a scam and need expert help, contact our Dating Scams Help Center today.
