Online Scams: How to Protect Yourself

TL;DR: If someone you meet on Tandem asks for money or personal information, treat them as a scammer and report them immediately. Never share personal details like your phone number with strangers.

At Tandem, we value learning languages, celebrating diversity, and sharing knowledge. We're proud of the vibrant, passionate language learners that make up our platform. Yet, a friendly community like ours can also attract scammers.

What is a Scammer?

Scammers create fake profiles with stolen photos and false information. They seem genuine but aim to build relationships to ask for money or personal data.

How to Spot a Scammer:

Switching platforms:
They quickly ask you to move to another messaging app like WhatsApp, Kakao Talk, Line, WeChat, Instagram, or Telegram to avoid moderation and being kicked off the platform. They may want to get your phone number and other personal information, which they may use to, for example, steal your identity, scam you via phone calls or create new fake accounts.

Lack of interest in language learning:
They focus on personal topics, not language practice, and quickly shift conversations to personal matters.

Avoiding video calls:
Scammers refuse video calls, as it might reveal their true identity. They might claim poor connection or offer excuses to stick to text-based communication.

Sextortion risks:
If they agree to video calls, be cautious. Some may use the opportunity for sextortion, recording intimate or otherwise compromising situations and blackmailing victims for money. Never engage in inappropriate activities during a video call. If you suspect anything odd, hang up immediately.

*Learn more about specific common scams below.

How to Protect Yourself

Guard your information:
Never send money or share contact information. Don’t send photos or videos to strangers that you wouldn’t want your friends and family to see.

Use your judgment:
Does their behavior seem normal for someone learning a language?

Stay on Tandem:
Communicate through our platform to take advantage of our safety features. If they suggest moving to other platforms, insist on a video call within Tandem to verify their identity.

Report suspicious activity:
Our moderators are here to help. Reporting is anonymous and ensures the community stays safe. Learn how to report.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Romance Scams

These scammers build emotional connections to exploit victims financially.

• Fake identity: They may claim to be a middle-aged man, working in a high-risk job like on an oil rig. They may suggest they are wealthy and are very lonely. They may pose as a woman visiting the country to care for a sick relative.
• Quick romance: They express romantic feelings early.
• Financial emergencies: They mention urgent situations like needing money for customs fees, medical bills, or children’s expenses.

Investment/Currency Scams

These scammers typically pretend to be young women from China or Hong Kong, claiming to own small businesses or be financial professionals, such as cryptocurrency analysts or short-term stock traders.

• Interest in your economy: They pretend to be interested in your country’s economy and offer "investment opportunities."
• Investment offers: They ask you to invest in cryptocurrency or stocks, sharing fake success stories to lure you in.
• Requests for help: They might ask you to assist with trading or investing, making you feel involved before scamming you.

Language Lesson Scams

These scammers pose as language teachers, asking for payments through apps like Alipay.

• Upfront payment requests: They demand payment before any lessons.
• Comparing prices: They justify their rates by comparing them to small, everyday items to make it seem like a good deal.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scammer

Report
Use the in-app reporting tool. The person will never know you reported them.

Block
You can block anyone from contacting you or seeing your profile.

Protect yourself by learning the warning signs, for example from the US Federal Trade Commission, FBI, National Campaign Against Fraud from the UK Government, and learn about the steps to take if you encounter them.