Dating app robberies | City of South Fulton

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. – Sources like match.com report that now is the most popular time of year for people to swipe right on dating apps, but that swiping could be at risk.

South Fulton police are investigating a string of armed robberies involving a victim and suspect who met on dating apps. Police say people are being targeted on social media dating platforms, particularly Grindr, which is primarily used by gay men. Some other popular dating apps like Tinder are used to target victims.

Turns out love isn’t the only thing in the air in South Fulton.

“This is the kind of stuff that goes on on this side of town,” one South Fulton resident told 11Alive.

“Individuals are invited and meet in one place. That’s when the subject produces a handgun and a robbery occurs,” added South Fulton Police Capt. Jimmy Wyche.

He said nearly a dozen people pointed guns at them instead of thinking they were dating along the Old National Highway.

“Watch where you’re going.” Pay attention to the time of day,” Wyche said. “If you’re meeting someone you’ve never met before, it’s a good idea to meet in a public place, in a well-lit area, to ensure your safety. There are other people around.”

Police note that there are specific red flags to look for if you meet someone from a dating app.

“It’s more of an urgency to try to get him to come to their place,” Wyche said. “If you try to choose another venue, they keep canceling you and saying, ‘No, meet me here.’ they would see that as a red flag.”

Also, check out your potential match before you start dating.

“Notify your family and friends before you go out so they know where you are. We have trackers on our phones and places that we can give to friends and stuff so someone else will know where we are. Don’t just go out blind,” Wyche said.

She also advised people to ask a lot of questions when meeting someone on a dating app and ask for a video chat before agreeing to meet in person.

“First, slowly, because you’ve never met this person before.” If they have other social media platforms, ask them about their family history, where they’re from, just the usual general questions you would ask anyone you meet,” Wyche added.

As another South Fulton resident told us, “You just don’t know what’s behind the door. It could be a catfish.”

South Fulton police followed up on several leads.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information about the case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org.