Are Dating Sites POF and Scams? The Truth Revealed

The internet is replete with dating sites, each claiming to offer a secure and efficient way to find love. However, some users have reported that sites like PlentyOfFish (POF) and are nothing more than elaborate scams designed to fleece their users. Are these allegations true? Let's delve into the matter to uncover the truth.

The Allegations Against Dating Sites

Many users on POF and have reported encountering scams and being unfairly penalized for not paying additional fees. For instance, one long-time user of PlentyOfFish from 13 years ago, besides meeting a handful of locals, stumbled upon an increasing number of scammers. According to this user, POF shifted from a free platform to a more expensive model where users were required to make several password changes and pay additional fees to access their profiles.

Scammers and User Reports

The user notes that scammers on POF became increasingly rampant and fraudulent, with reported cases numbering over 1,000 within just a few years. The issue is compounded by the fact that many of these scammers managed to stay on the site despite repeated reports. This paints a grim picture of the site's user verification process and the extent to which scammers can operate within these platforms.

Similarly, has been criticized for requiring users to verify their phone numbers, which is inconvenient for those without one. This requirement precludes a significant number of potential users from accessing the site.

Site Policies and Security Measures

It is crucial to understand that sites like POF and have their own policies and security measures in place to protect users from scams. For instance, has a verification system that ensures users provide valid phone numbers. However, the inconvenience of this requirement for some users has led to frustration and alienation.

On the other hand, POF has faced criticism for its stringent password policies, where users are required to change passwords frequently, sometimes leading to unauthorized access issues. The site's response to scam reports can be slow or non-existent, leading to further distrust among users.

User Feedback and Data

Based on user feedback, it appears that while both sites implement certain security measures, their effectiveness may vary. The user documented over 1,000 scams, suggesting that the existing measures are not entirely robust. Moreover, the absence of successful dates despite extensive use of these sites indicates that the primary purpose of these platforms might not be to facilitate genuine interactions but rather to maximize revenue.

Conclusion: Are They Scams?

While both POF and have mechanisms in place to prevent and mitigate scams, the evidence gathered by users suggests that these sites may be more focused on profiteering than on user safety and security. The numerous scam reports and the frustration of legitimate users indicate that these platforms might be more akin to scams designed to extort payments from users.

The verdict, therefore, is that while these sites may not be outright frauds, they certainly prioritize their revenue over user experience and safety. It is up to the users to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the platform administrators.