With the digital transformation sweeping across Pakistan, theĀ online rishta appĀ has become a popular alternative to traditional matchmaking. These platforms promise convenience, greater compatibility, and broader choices. But as with any online trend, not all rishta apps are created equal. Some are legitimate and genuinely help people find life partnersāwhile others are nothing more than scams hiding behind fake profiles, shady business models, and deceitful practices.
If you’re serious about finding a rishta online, you must be equipped to spot the fakes before you waste time, money, or worseāget emotionally or financially hurt. Letās explore how to identify a fake online rishta app and what red flags to look for.
1. Unprofessional or Suspicious Website/App Design
First impressions matter. A genuine online rishta app will typically have a clean, professional design. If you land on a platform that looks like it was designed in a rushāwith broken links, outdated fonts, low-resolution images, or excessive pop-upsāthatās your first red flag.
Fake apps often cut corners in design and functionality. They may lack basic features like user verification, filtering options, or responsive design. An app that crashes frequently or redirects you to irrelevant sites should be avoided immediately.
Tip:Ā Trust your gut. If the app or site feels āoffā visually or technically, it probably is.
2. No Real Information About the Company
A trustworthy rishta app will provide full transparency about who runs it. Look for:
- Company name
- Registered address
- Contact details (phone number, email)
- Social media presence
- Clear privacy policy and terms of service
Fake apps often hide behind anonymity. Youāll find no real contact information, no office address, and sometimes no team details. If you canāt find a way to contact support or confirm whoās running the platform, steer clear.
Also, check if the website is secured with HTTPS encryption (look for a padlock icon in the browser). If itās missing, your data may be at risk.
3. Too Many Unrealistic Profiles
Have you noticed profiles that look too perfect? Like models with flawless pictures and unbelievable bios? If a rishta app is full of glamorous, generic profiles with vague information or stolen images, youāre probably looking at a scam.
Fake apps populate their databases with bot-generated or purchased profiles to lure users into signing up and paying for premium features.
Common signs of fake profiles:
- Profile pictures that look like stock photos
- Bios with no specific information
- Users who reply instantly with generic or flirty messages
- People claiming to live abroad but with inconsistent language or storylines
Tip: Do a reverse image search of profile pictures to check if they appear on stock photo websites or social media accounts.
4. Pressure to Upgrade to Paid Plans Instantly
Most legit rishta platforms have both free and paid versions. But if the app aggressively pushes you to upgradeābefore even letting you explore basic features or view profilesāitās likely a scam.
Fake apps will:
- Block basic functionality like chatting or viewing photos unless you pay
- Offer limited-time ādiscountsā or pushy upgrade prompts
- Promise fake ālikesā or messages to manipulate you into paying
If you’re forced to pay to do anything, thatās a major warning sign. Trustworthy platforms allow you to explore and engage at a basic level before encouraging upgrades.
5. Lack of Verification or Moderation
A genuine rishta app takes your safety seriously. That means they:
- Verify new profiles via email, phone number, or official ID
- Allow users to report suspicious behavior
- Have moderators who review new profiles and flagged content
- Fake apps have no such system. Anyone can sign up with fake information, and you may find:
- Duplicate profiles with different names
- Offensive content or photos
- Zero moderation or response to complaints
If the app lacks clear rules or user guidelines, or if you receive shady messages right after joining, youāre likely on a fake platform.
6. Unclear or Absent Privacy Policy
Your data matters. Fake rishta apps donāt respect your privacy with press release. They may collect your information and sell it to third parties, spam your email, or misuse your photos.
Always check the privacy policy before signing up. A legit rishta app will explain:
- What data is collected
- How itās stored
- Whether itās shared with others
- How users can delete or manage their data
If thereās no privacy policyāor if itās copy-pasted from another siteāitās a serious red flag.
7. Unrealistic Claims and Testimonials
If an app claims something like, ā100% match guaranteed in 7 daysā or āThousands of marriages every monthāāpause. These are marketing gimmicks used by fake platforms to hook you emotionally.
Also, be wary of overly positive reviews on their own website or app. Often, scammers use fake testimonials with made-up names and stock images.
Instead, look for genuine reviews on third-party platforms like:
- Google Play or App Store
- Trustpilot
- Reddit forums
- Social media comments
Check for patternsādo users complain about money loss, fake profiles, or poor customer service?
8. No Social Media Presence or Activity
In 2025, any legitimate online business, especially in matchmaking, maintains some level of social media presence. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn help build trust and offer a way to engage with real users.
A fake app may not have any social accountsāor if it does, it may be inactive, with few followers and no real interactions.
Search for the app or website on social platforms and read comments, check reviews, and observe if people are genuinely engaging or if itās a ghost town.
9. Instant Love or Marriage Proposals
It sounds flattering, but beware of profiles that profess instant love or jump to marriage talk within minutes. This is a classic trick used by scammers to emotionally manipulate users into trusting them quickly.
They might eventually:
- Ask for money
- Request sensitive photos
- Offer to meet and then disappear
- Try to move the conversation off-platform (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
Real relationships take time. Anyone rushing the process isnāt serious about marriageātheyāre serious about scamming.
10. Gut Feeling: When It Feels Too Good to Be True
Lastly, always trust your instincts. If something doesnāt feel rightāeven if thereās no concrete evidenceāitās okay to step away. When looking for something as important as a life partner, donāt ignore red flags just because youāre hopeful or emotionally invested.
Itās better to be cautious than regretful.
How to Stay Safe on Rishta Apps
If you do decide to use online rishta platforms, here are some practical safety tips:
- Use apps that verify identities and moderate activity.
- Never send money to someone you meet online.
- Donāt share your phone number or personal info too early.
- Have video calls before considering a physical meeting.
- Involve family members in your decision-making process.
Conclusion
Finding loveāor a life partnerāonline is now part of modern matchmaking in Pakistan. But not all rishta apps are trustworthy. Scams, fake profiles, and privacy risks can easily turn your search for marriage into a nightmare.
By staying alert and using the tips above, you can protect yourself from falling into the trap of a fake rishta app. Stick with reputable platforms, be cautious, and never rush into anything. Your future deserves that much care.
