Tips For Safer Online Dating And Dating App Use

Safer Tips: Online Dating And Dating Apps

However, still be cautious of anyone who requests money from you in the early stages of dating, whether it’s online or in real life. People don’t normally do this, and even if someone is not a scammer, they could take advantage of you. If you feel that a user’s profile is suspicious or dangerous, block or report them on the dating app.

Don’t Link Your Dating Profiles To Other Social Media Platforms

We left this for last because it’s not a scam; it’s more of a potential risk and quite a popular one. It involves an individual stalking your online activities, keeping tabs on everything like retweeting, posting, sharing, and everything. Catfishing is similar to identity theft in that people pretend to be who they aren’t. They would have gotten the information they’d need to convincingly pass as the other person from stealing information on that person. Scammers or catfishes can easily trick their victims with text-only conversations, but with a video call, the whole sham falls apart.

Don’t Give People Passes

It also helps to lean into things you know they’re into, Dr. Zar adds. Depending on how you connected, you probably already have a little background like the job they’ve had for five years, say, or their pets all over their dating profile. “People love talking about themselves, and they’ll light up when you mention things they’re passionate about,” she says.

When Meeting In Person

how to be safe online dating

Additionally, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ukrainiancharm-vs-wechat-which-one-should-you-choose-catherine-pass-xllbe/ if the first instance is because of negligence, that’s not a great look either. If you’ve ever worked in app security (it’s okay if you haven’t), then the chances are high you’ve heard of NowSecure. This third-party app security company has worked with the likes of Uber, IBM, Humana, and a whole host of other major companies—including The League. The League dating app is routinely audited by the company to ensure the highest level of safety and security on its platform.

  • Avoiding rides offered by your date during the initial encounter not only maintains your autonomy but also serves as a proactive measure to safeguard personal safety.
  • While many areas have lifted social distancing and mask mandates, it’s still important to take measures to protect yourself and your date from COVID-19 when meeting up for the first time.
  • That said, don’t feel pressure to be unnatural or overly accommodating.
  • It’s important to build trust before you share intimate pictures with someone.
  • Conduct a Google search or use reverse image search to check if their profile pictures are used elsewhere online.

Always tell a family member or a close friend about where you’ll be going when you’re going on a date with someone you met online. You can even give them permission to locate your phone in case you don’t come back at a certain time. Most fake profiles will have pictures of above-average attractive people, usually just one, with little to no information about them. For your own safety, don’t assume you are compatible until you’ve gotten to know the person in real life too, not just online. They can pretend to be someone they’re not, post edited pictures that don’t even resemble them, or exaggerate their positive qualities.

By Katherine McCoy
Published February 7, 2025
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