How to Stay Safe in Online Dating

Online dating has become the go-to way for many to find love, with over 40 million Americans joining the search online. While it’s exciting to meet new people, especially through apps like Bumble, Match.com, or Tinder, it’s important to stay safe.

Around 37% of Americans used online dating services or apps, according to SSRS. As with any new interaction, whether online or offline, It’s always smart to keep a few safety tips in mind for a better experience. Most dating apps don’t do criminal background checks, so it’s up to you to decide what feels right when meeting someone new. 

Below are some steps you can take for safer interactions with others through online dating apps and services—whether you are interacting virtually or in person. Also, check out our articles on how to deal with Rejection and on how to approach Men

When Connecting Online

Switch Up Your Dating Profile Photos

Using the same photo on multiple platforms makes it easy for someone to find your other social media profiles through a quick reverse image search. To keep your dating life more private, try using different photos for your dating profiles.

Skip the Live or Motion Photos

Live or motion photos come with hidden geolocation data, which can reveal your location. It’s better to avoid sharing these types of images with your matches to keep your whereabouts private.

Be Cautious of Sketchy Profiles

If someone you matched with has no bio, no linked social media, and only one picture, their profile might be fake. Proceed with caution if you decide to connect with someone who has minimal information.

Do a Social Media Check

If you can find your match’s name or social media handles—or better yet, if you have mutual friends—take a moment to look them up. This helps ensure they’re not pretending to be someone they’re not.

Block and Report Anyone Who Seems Suspicious

If you come across a profile that feels sketchy or if someone is acting inappropriately, don’t hesitate to block and report them. Most platforms allow you to do this anonymously, whether before or after you’ve matched. Trust your gut when deciding if someone’s being genuine or not.

Examples of Suspicious Behaviors

• Asking for financial help
• Requesting photos
• Being a minor
• Sending harassing or offensive messages
• Threatening or intimidating you
• Creating a fake profile
• Trying to sell products or services
• Claiming to be from the U.S. but currently living or traveling abroad
• Saying they’re recently widowed with kids
• Disappearing and reappearing under a different name
• Giving vague answers to direct questions
• Being overly complimentary or romantic too soon
• Pressuring you for your phone number or to move conversations off the app
• Requesting your home or work address under the pretense of sending gifts
• Keep Personal Info Private

Never share personal details like your social security number, credit card info, bank details, or home address with someone you haven’t met in person. Dating sites will never ask for your login info via email. If you receive such a request, delete it and consider reporting it.

Ignore Requests for Money

Even if someone’s story sounds really convincing, never send money, especially if they’re asking for it to be sent overseas or via wire transfer. If you receive such a request, report it to the app or site right away. For more advice on staying safe from dating scams, check out the tips from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

When Meeting in Person

Video Chat Before Meeting Up

Have a video chat with your date before meeting in person. It’s a great way to verify their identity. If they’re hesitant about a video call, that could be a warning sign.

Inform a Friend About Your Date

Screenshot your date’s profile and send it to a friend. Let them know where and when you’re meeting. If plans change, text them an update. Arrange to check in with your friend during or after the date.

Download a Personal Security App

For added safety, consider using a personal security app. The app lets you share your location with family and call for help quickly if needed.

Meet in Public Spaces

Opt for a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar for your first date. Avoid meeting at your home, apartment, or workplace, and steer clear of isolated parks or quiet areas.

Handle Your Own Transportation

Keep control of your transportation to ensure you can leave anytime you need to. Even if your date offers to pick you up, it’s safer to use your own ride. Have ride-share apps ready and make sure your phone is fully charged.

Stick to Your Comfort Zone

It’s okay to have a drink, but stay within your limits. Don’t feel pressured to drink or take substances just because your date is. Avoid drugs as they can affect your judgment or interact poorly with alcohol.

Seek Help from Staff if Needed

If you start feeling uneasy, enlist the help of a bartender or waiter. They can assist with creating a distraction, calling for help, or arranging a safe ride home.

Get a Unique Phone Number

While it’s best to stick to the dating app for early chats, you might eventually want to exchange phone numbers. To keep your personal number private, consider using an app that gives you a unique phone number. Just download one of these apps, and you’ll get a separate number for chatting and texting, keeping your main number safe.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave or end communication. Your safety is the top priority, and it’s perfectly okay to be cautious. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always unmatch, block, or report them after the date.

Common Online Dating Scams and How to Avoid Them

Identity Theft

Scammers may gather your personal details over time, like your address or the names of family members, and use this information to steal your identity or hack your accounts. To protect yourself, never share personal details with someone you don’t know well, even if you’ve been chatting for a while. Be cautious until you’re sure the person is genuine.

Phishing and Malware

Scammers might try to get you to click on malicious links that look legitimate, like a social media profile or fun meme. Clicking on these links can infect your device with malware and expose your personal information. Avoid clicking on any links sent by strangers and keep your malware protection software up-to-date. If your device warns you about a suspicious site, back out immediately.

Money Scams

These scams involve someone asking you for money under various pretenses, such as needing funds for travel, medical bills, or phone payments. Once they get your money, they might try to get more or disappear entirely. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story seems. Check out resources on Usa.gov if you think you’ve been scammed.

Catfishing

A “catfish” is someone who creates a fake online persona to deceive you. They might seem perfect, saying all the right things to gain your trust or get personal or financial information from you. Always arrange a virtual or in-person meeting to confirm their identity. Use reverse image search to see if their photos are associated with other profiles or scams.

Authentication Scams

Scammers may ask you to send them a one-time authentication code you receive for logging into your accounts, claiming the code isn’t working for them. In reality, they’re trying to access your accounts. Never share your verification codes with anyone. If you get a security alert for an account you didn’t access, change your password immediately.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some safety tips for using online dating apps?

• Switch Up Your Dating Profile Photos: Use different photos on each platform to maintain privacy.
• Skip Live or Motion Photos: These may reveal your location through hidden geolocation data.
• Be Cautious of Sketchy Profiles: Profiles with minimal information or only one photo might be fake.
• Do a Social Media Check: Verify your match’s identity by looking them up online.
• Block and Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any profiles or behavior that feels off.

How can I protect my personal information while dating online?

Keep Personal Info Private: Don’t share sensitive information like your social security number or bank details.

Ignore Requests for Money: Never send money, especially overseas or via wire transfer.

What should I do before meeting someone in person?

Video Chat Before Meeting: Verify their identity through a video call.

Inform a Friend: Share your date’s profile and details about the meeting with a friend.

Download a Personal Security App: Use apps that allow you to share your location and call for help if needed.

Meet in Public Spaces: Choose safe, public locations for your first meeting.

Handle Your Own Transportation: Use your own ride to maintain control over your departure.

How can I stay safe during an in-person date?

Stick to Your Comfort Zone: Drink responsibly and avoid substances that could impair your judgment.

Seek Help from Staff if Needed: If you feel uneasy, ask a bartender or waiter for assistance.

Get a Unique Phone Number: Use an app for a separate phone number to keep your main number private.

What are common online dating scams to watch out for?

• Identity Theft: Avoid sharing personal details with someone you don’t know well.
• Phishing and Malware: Don’t click on suspicious links from strangers.
• Money Scams: Never send money, regardless of the story.
• Catfishing: Arrange a meeting to verify the person’s identity and use reverse image search for their photos.
• Authentication Scams: Never share authentication codes for your accounts.

What should I do if I encounter a scam or suspicious behavior?

Report the Issue: Use the app’s reporting feature to alert them of scams or inappropriate behavior.

Seek Assistance: Contact support services if you suspect you’ve been scammed or need help.

How can I ensure my safety when using dating apps?

Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, prioritize your safety and end communication if needed.

Stay Informed: Keep up with safety tips and advice to protect yourself in the online dating world.