Navigating Romance Scams and Building Safe Dating Platforms with Nicole Drew
We've all heard stories about online scams, but when it happens to you, it’s a whole different experience. One moment you're in a seemingly normal situation, and the next, you realize you've been deceived. It’s a harsh lesson in trust and caution. This episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast dives deep into a story that many might find familiar, but with a twist of empowerment that led to a new business idea.
The Unexpected Scam
Nicole Drew, founder and CEO of the dating app Rater, shares her personal journey that began in 2018 when she became a victim of a romance scam. Like many of us, Nicole was just trying to navigate the dating world. She met a man through a well-known dating app, and after a month of dating, he came to her with a story about being a victim of identity theft. He claimed his bank account was drained, leaving him unable to pay his rent or buy groceries for his daughter. Out of compassion and trust, Nicole lent him $1,500. Soon after, she noticed a shift in his behavior—sweet talk, asking for more money, and then eventually blocking her entirely.
The realization that she had been scammed was not just a financial loss, but also a blow to her self-esteem. Nicole found herself grappling with the embarrassment of being deceived, unsure of what steps to take next. Reporting him to the app didn’t lead to any action, leaving her feeling even more helpless.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Instead of letting this experience define her, Nicole decided to take control and turn her frustration into something positive. In 2020, she set out to create a dating app focused on safety and transparency. Rater was born with a mission to combat scams and provide users with a platform where they can feel secure.
What makes Rater stand out is its focus on user verification and accountability. The app includes features like star rating verification and criminal checks, ensuring that users interact with real, verified individuals. Nicole’s vision was clear from the start—create a platform where people can trust their interactions and feel safe while seeking genuine connections.
Building a Business from Scratch
Nicole’s journey from victim to entrepreneur wasn’t easy. With no background in tech or app development, she started with a simple Google search: “How to start a company.” From there, she established her LLC, found a developer, and began building Rater from the ground up. Her determination to turn a negative experience into a positive one kept her moving forward, even when the process was challenging and time-consuming.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: Do your research, network, and keep going. Starting a business, especially after a personal setback, requires resilience and a willingness to learn. Nicole emphasizes the importance of connecting with other entrepreneurs, attending startup events, and not being afraid to ask questions.
Empowering Others
Nicole’s story is not just about building a business; it’s about taking back control and empowering others. Rater isn’t just a dating app; it’s a movement towards safer online interactions. By sharing her story, Nicole hopes to inspire others who may have gone through similar experiences. She turned a moment of vulnerability into a platform that prioritizes user safety and trust, proving that even the darkest moments can lead to something impactful and meaningful.
As Nicole continues to grow Rater, her vision remains the same: to create a safe, authentic, and trustworthy dating experience. With her eyes set on reaching 50,000 users by the end of the year, she’s not just building an app; she’s building a community that values transparency and security.
Last Thoughts
Nicole Drew’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of turning challenges into opportunities. Rater is more than just a dating app—it’s a reflection of Nicole’s determination to create a space where trust and safety come first. For anyone sitting on the sidelines with a great idea, Nicole’s advice is to start small, do your research, and most importantly, keep pushing forward. You never know where your story might lead.
If you want to learn more about Rater or join the community, you can find them on Google Play and the Apple App Store, or visit Rater for more information.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Badass Women in Business Podcast—where we celebrate women who turn obstacles into opportunities and build businesses that make a difference.
