Two U.S. senators are pressing Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, to strengthen its efforts against romance scams targeting users. In a formal letter to Match CEO Spencer Rascoff, Senators Maggie Hassan (D) and Marsha Blackburn (R) requested documents outlining the company’s policies, fraud detection tools, and consumer protections.
Romance Scams on the Rise
Romance scams have grown into a significant cybercrime threat, with fraudsters often creating fake profiles on dating apps to lure victims. These scams can last weeks or months before perpetrators request money or gifts.
According to the FBI’s 2025 report, global cybercrime caused losses of more than $16 billion, with romance scams contributing hundreds of millions in damages.
The senators warned that Match’s algorithmic design may unintentionally build trust that scammers exploit, heightening risks for unsuspecting users.
Deadline for Match to Respond
The senators have given Match Group until October 15, 2025, to submit evidence of its fraud-prevention measures. They are seeking details on:
- How fraudulent activity is detected and blocked
- What safeguards are in place to protect users
- The systemic factors that enable romance scams on dating platforms
Match’s History with Regulators
This is not the first time Match has faced scrutiny. In 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleged that Match.com knowingly sent automated ads from accounts it knew were fake. While the Department of Justice closed its investigation in 2020, the case raised questions about user safety on dating platforms.
AI Features and User Safety
Despite regulatory concerns, Match has been innovating to improve user experience. Recent efforts include:
- AI-enabled discovery features to enhance dating outcomes
- An interactive AI-powered matching product targeting the Gen Z audience
Similarly, industry peers like Bumble are also leaning on artificial intelligence to balance user growth with safer interactions.
Conclusion
As romance scams continue to rise, the pressure on dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid to adopt robust fraud-prevention systems is intensifying. The outcome of Match Group’s response to U.S. senators may shape future user safety standards in the online dating industry.
