Actors photos used for fake profiles

Actor Saif Ali Khan is not the only celebrity whose pictures have been used on dating apps for such fake profiles. Several Bollywood and Hollywood actors including Varun Dhawan, John Abraham, Hugh Jackman and Johnny Depp have also fallen prey to such unethical acts of users.

“I have come across many profiles on Facebook, that have my picture on it but a completely different identity,” says actor Arjun Bijlani. “Some people have informed me about this as well. It is really sad that people resort to such means of cheating on social media and dating apps. I suggest that everyone be very careful while interacting with a stranger on the web.”

Actor Rashami Desai says that the moment somebody informs her about a profile with her picture, she tells them to report the profile or block it. “This is a hazard that comes with being popular. Our pictures are all over the net and people use it as a disguise,” she adds. Not just actors, some users recall discovering such fakes. “I have come across some profiles, which have people from Spain and the US in the profile picture. But when we get into a conversation, after a point, they start talking in Hindi and apologise for putting up a fake picture,” says Esha, 22, physiotherapist. When contacted, a spokesperson of Tinder said that they take necessary measures to ensure safety of the users. “We continue to advise our users to be vigilant, pay close attention to basic safety tips, always exercise discretion in their interactions while using the app. Users who violate our terms of service, are banned. “

PHOTO: VIDYA SUBRAMANIAN