Bumble Adds ID Verification to Fight Dating App Romance Scams

Bumble has launched a new biometric ID verification feature across 11 markets, including the US and UK, as part of its broader effort to combat the growing threat of romance scams on its platform. The dating app’s latest security measure, developed in partnership with identity verification provider Veriff, allows users to verify their identity through government-issued IDs and selfie biometrics.

The verification process requires users to upload an official identification document and take a selfie for biometric comparison. Once verified, users receive a profile badge indicating their verified status. While the feature remains optional, it provides an additional layer of trust for users concerned about potential fraud.

“Share My Date,” another new safety feature introduced alongside the biometric verification, enables users to share their date details with trusted contacts and provide real-time updates through the app. Users can also now filter for verified profiles and request verification from their matches.

The implementation comes at a crucial time, as Veriff has recently reported significant growth in the identity verification market, with a 75 percent revenue increase in Q4 2024. The company’s expansion reflects the growing demand for robust identity verification solutions across digital platforms.

Bumble’s move follows similar initiatives by competitor Tinder, which began implementing face liveness detection in Japan in 2019 and has since expanded these features globally. However, the rollout of biometric features hasn’t been without challenges. Bumble recently faced a $40 million class action lawsuit in Illinois related to biometric privacy violations, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding biometric data collection.

The dating app’s enhanced security measures come as romance scams continue to plague online dating platforms. These schemes typically involve fraudsters building emotional connections with users before requesting money, often while avoiding in-person meetings. The new verification features aim to make such scams more difficult to execute by providing users with tools to confirm the identity of their potential matches.

Source: Identity Week

—
March 24, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith