Know who they really are with our new Selfie Verification feature 

Online dating can be sweet… until you realise the person you’ve been chatting with doesn’t look anything like their photos.
Old pictures, stolen pictures, heavy filters, or full-on catfish – it happens more than we like to admit.

That’s why we’re introducing Selfie Verification on KaWink – so you can feel more confident that the person you’re talking to is really the person in the photos.

What is Selfie Verification?

Selfie Verification is a simple, in-app check that helps confirm that a KaWink profile belongs to a real person who matches their photos.

When a member chooses to verify, we ask them to:

1. Take a live selfie in the app

2. Follow a quick on-screen pose (for example, look left / smile / tilt your head)

We then compare that selfie to the photos on their profile.
If it matches, they receive a verified badge on their profile.

No extra stress, no drama – just one quick check that adds an extra layer of trust.

Why we built it

KaWink is designed for Nigerians in Naija and in the diaspora (UK, US, Canada) – plus anyone who genuinely loves Naija culture.
We know many of our members are:

• Busy professionals with limited time

• Dating long-distance across cities and countries

• Meeting people they may never have bumped into in real life

When you’re putting your heart – and sometimes your travel money – on the line, you deserve to feel safer.

Selfie Verification helps with:

• Reducing catfish and fake profiles

• Spotting people using stolen or heavily edited photos

• Building trust faster, especially for long-distance and diaspora matches

It doesn’t replace common sense or other safety tips, but it’s an important step.

How Selfie Verification works on KaWink

Here’s how it goes from the user’s side:

1. Open your profile
   Tap on your profile and look for the “Verify with selfie” option.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions
   You’ll be asked to take a live selfie. We may ask you to turn your head slightly or change your expression so we know it’s not just a screenshot.

3. We compare your selfie to your photos
   We check that your selfie and your profile photos look like the same person.

4. Get your verified badge
   Once everything checks out, you’ll see a Selfie Verified badge on your profile. Other members will see it too when they visit your page.

That’s it – no long form, no interview. Just a quick selfie that can make a big difference.

What the verified badge means (and what it doesn’t)

We want to be very clear about this.

When you see the Selfie Verified badge, it means:

• The person took a live selfie in the app

• The selfie matches the photos on their profile

• The profile is much less likely to be fake or stolen

However, it does not mean:

• We have done a background check

• We can guarantee their intentions or behaviour

• You should ignore your own instincts or safety

Think of the badge as a strong first layer of trust, not a final stamp of perfection. Still ask questions, still take your time, still meet in public, still tell a friend where you’re going.

Your privacy comes first

We know selfies are personal. Here’s how we handle them:

• Your verification selfie is used only to confirm that you match your profile photos.

• We don’t show the verification selfie publicly on your profile.

• We don’t sell your photos or use them for ads.

• If you delete your KaWink account, we remove your verification data in line with our privacy policy.

You stay in control – verification is optional, but highly recommended for trust.

Why you should verify your own profile

If you’re serious about finding genuine connections, verification is not just about keeping yourself safe – it’s also about sending a clear signal to others:

• “I’m real, I’m serious, and I have nothing to hide.”

• Verified profiles are more likely to be trusted and get meaningful messages.

• You help build a safer community for everyone, especially other Nigerians and diaspora members who are tired of catfish.

Think of it as another way to put your best foot forward, just like a good bio or clear photos.

Tips for staying safe – even with verified profiles

Selfie Verification is one part of our safety toolkit. Combine it with these habits:

• Don’t rush. Take time to chat before meeting, especially if distance is involved.

• Keep the first meeting public. Choose a busy location; arrange your own transport.

• Tell a friend. Share where you’re going and who you’re meeting.

• Listen to your gut. If something feels off – even with a verified badge – it’s okay to pause or walk away.

• Report suspicious behaviour. If someone is abusive, threatening or acting strangely, use the report tools in the app so we can review their account.

Building a safer KaWink community together

At KaWink, we want more than cute profiles and soft-life aesthetics. We want a dating space where:

• Nigerians in Naija, the UK, US and Canada feel seen

• Diaspora and non-Nigerian matches who love the culture feel welcome

• Everyone feels a little more secure meeting someone new

Selfie Verification is one step on that journey – and we’re just getting started.

If you haven’t tried it yet, open your profile, tap Verify with selfie, and get your badge.
Let’s make it easier to know who they really are before your heart (and your data) gets involved.