The ODDA writes to Apple and Google over the Tinder Swindler’s dating app

The ODDA has written to Apple and Google urging them to seriously consider the harm that could be caused by hosting any dating app founded, operated or fronted by Simon Leviev, the convicted fraudster known as “The Tinder Swindler”.

Leviev has become involved in, and is now promoting, his own dating app. The fraud he became notorious for left multiple women with significant financial, emotional and mental harm, much of which is still ongoing today.

In recent years, our sector has worked hard to tackle romance fraud. Members have invested in verification, AI-driven safety tools and in-app warnings that help users spot the signs of fraud before harm is done. A convicted fraudster having any involvement in online dating seriously undermines that progress, and can only have negative repercussions for platforms and users alike.

A dating platform is an environment built entirely on trust, and on the very emotional and financial vulnerabilities he became known for exploiting. That is why we believe action is needed now.

App stores may not usually judge an app by its owner’s past. But we hope neither Apple nor Google would want to see a convicted fraudster return to the environment where so much harm was done.

Read our letter to Apple and Google

If you work in online dating, trust and safety or fraud prevention, we’d welcome your support. Share our post on LinkedIn and add your voice.