Online Dating Safety Tips | 8 first date tips for women and men (2023)

Online dating has become the new norm, with more than 40 million Americans using the Internet to look for love, according to Match.com.¹. However, there is always some risk when meeting someone for the first time, especially if you met them online.

Whether you use Bumble, Match.com or Tinder, safe dating should always be a priority. Below are eight importantonline dating safetytips that will help you safely transition your relationship from the app to real life.

1. Wait until you feel comfortable

When you're dating online, you're likely to come across a few profiles that say, "I'm not looking for a pen pal" or "If you don't want to date, swipe left." While it's important to meet potential partners in person, don't feel pressured to meet someone before you feel 100% comfortable.²

If you want to wait longer, don't feel embarrassed or pressured – the right person will give you the time you need to get comfortable.

2. Do some research

While there is some stigma attached to potential "Facebook stalking" dates, you shouldn't feel bad about doing some social media research before meeting someone for the first time. It's a great way to spot red flags and make sure you're not dealing with a catfish.

3. Tell someone where you are going

When making plans with someone you meet on a dating app, always tell a trusted friend or family member where you're going. You might even consider giving them access to your location through iOS or an app like Find My Friends.

Another good security precaution is to use a service likeADT SoSecure, which lets you share your location with your family and quickly call for help in an emergency.

4. Meet publicly

The first time you meet someone, do it in a public place with a lot of people: restaurants, bars, cinemas, cafes or parks are good options.

Also, Tinder recommends being out in public during the date; It's not advisable to go back to the apartment or house of someone you've just met.⁴

5. Provide your own transportation

Likewise, it's best to provide your own transport to date, even if it involves taking a taxi, subway or ride. While it may seem chivalrous when your date offers to pick you up, he'll be happy to leave on his terms if things go awry.

6. Stay sober

Many people like to drink on a first date, but if you decide to go out to a bar, stay sober. You need to be able to get home safely, and you take risks when intoxicated. Know your limits and stick to them! When in doubt, suggest meeting for coffee.

7. Do not provide private information

Online dating scams are genuine and on the rise. According tousa today, people of all ages and demographics are being targeted by malicious actors. Complaints of "romance scams" have increased significantly in recent years.⁵

To protect yourself from scams, do not give out personal information to potential dates and never consider requests for money.

8. In case of doubt, withdraw

Don't be afraid to walk away if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the date or even before. You are not obligated to stay with someone if you feel uncomfortable or threatened. When it comes to eHarmony, Plenty of Fish, Coffee Meets Bagel, Bumble or Tinder, safe dating should be your first priority!

9. Use a unique phone number

You should always use the dating app for initial communication, but at some point, you might want to exchange phone numbers. There are many apps on the market that you can download that allow you to keep your phone number private.

Just download one of these apps and you'll get a unique phone number. You can use this number the same way you would your regular phone number - for chatting or texting.

10. Download a personal security app

Another security precaution you can use is to use a service likeSafethrough the ADT app, which allows you to share your location with your family and quickly call for help in an emergency.

ADT may contact you via phone call or text message to ensure your safety. If you don't respond, ADT will alert its guards and emergency responders with your location.

11. Take new photos for your profile

When someone does a reverse image search, it means they are taking an image they currently have and putting it into a search to find related images. If you are using the same photo for your dating site and your social media profile, someone can find you and know details about your life through your social media accounts.

7 online dating red flags

Dating red flags refer to something you need to be aware of when dating. Some online dating red flags are more obvious, like a potential partner asking you for money before the first date. But there are other red flags that not only seem innocent, but are a natural part of dating.

When meeting and talking to strangers, it's always important to use common sense and listen to your instincts. If your date seems respectable but there's still something wrong with them, you should listen to their concern and walk away from it.

We've compiled a list of some tips to keep in mind when searching and connecting with others while browsing online dating apps.

1. If your potential match only has a photo or two, it could indicate that they are a bot or a fake profile.

2. You should be wary if the person you married constantly dodges your questions or only provides vague answers.

3. If you're talking to someone who is trying to force you to meet in person before you're ready, that could also be a red flag.

4. If your partner refuses to talk to you on the phone before the meeting, this could indicate that he is trying to set you up.

5. Someone posting their social media handle on their profile might not be an overt red flag, but it might suggest that they are just looking for followers and not a serious dating partner.

6. Be careful if someone stops matching you after getting their phone number or before you get a chance to date them. This can be a way for a person to avoid being reported on these apps.

7. Profiles of people who are not locals, especially if they just want to meet in a hotel or other private area, should be approached with caution.

5 online dating scams and how to avoid them

1. Personal identity theft scams

These scams can often be a scam in the long run. As you feel more comfortable submitting more and more private information, such as where you live and the names of your family members, they will write down this information to use against you later. Some skilled scammers can even get enough information to hack your password or email accounts.

Disclosing certain information on an unreliable date could put you at risk of identity theft and compromise your bank account, credit history, or even your social security number.

To prevent this from happening, never give out personal information to a stranger on the Internet, even if it's "just" your last name. Be careful until you feel that the person you are talking to is genuine and will not spoof your personal information.

2. Golpes de phishing e malware

It's usually someone who talks to you for a while and then tries to get you to click on a link. This link can sometimes appear to be credible or even a copy of a social media profile. Once you click on it, the malware infects your computer and provides your personal information to the scammer.

Never click on any link a stranger sends you, even if it looks like a TikTok or funny meme. You should also make sure your phone and computer have up-to-date malware protection software in case you click on a phishing link. If your computer warns you that you are trying to open a suspicious website, you should listen and remove the link immediately.

3. Various money scams

Money scams can range from helping your potential suitor to helping your sick dog or family members. It all boils down to the scammer trying to get money from you to help you pay for something. Once they get that money, they might try to extort more from you or just disappear.

• Ask for money for a plane or bus ticket to visit him.
• Request funds for medical bills or an operation.
• They need help with paying over the phone.
• They need money to pay for a passport.

Do not send money to strangers on the Internet, even if they seem to really need the money. Usa.gov has many resources you can use if you feel you are the victim of cybercrime.

4. cat fishing

A "catfish" is a person who uses a fake dating profile or online presence to convince someone that they are someone they are not. This term was coined in 2010 when MTV aired a documentary of the same name. In these scenarios, catfish can seem like the perfect match, saying everything you want to hear.

A prospective associate may do this to obtain your personal or financial information. Or, someone might specifically target you if they have a personal vendetta against you or want to embarrass you.

Beware of dates that seem too good to be true. When appropriate, set up a virtual or face-to-face meeting to ensure the person is who they say they are.

Just as others can use reverse image search to find your other social media profiles, you can do the same with someone you suspect is cheating on you. If it's a scam they've done before, chances are you'll find their image on the Internet associated with various accounts and names.

5. Authentication scam

This scam involves using two-factor authentication security features that we encounter when trying to log into social or bank accounts. You receive a security message with a unique code that you enter into your account that allows you to access it.

Some scammers say that a code they are receiving doesn't work and ask if they can send the code to your phone number. However, they are trying to access their accounts.

If you receive an alert that someone is trying to access your account but you know it wasn't you, change your password immediately. To avoid this, never give someone a verification code.

Resources

1. BROUSSARD, Meredith. "Dating Stats You Should Know". match. with. Accessed March 21, 2018.https://www.match.com/cp.aspx?cpp=/cppp/magazine/article0.html&articleid=4671.

2. "Safe Online Dating." Get online security. Accessed March 28, 2018.https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/online-dating/.

3. "Dating safety." Flammable. Accessed March 21, 2018.https://www.gotinder.com/safety.

4. Well, Kellie. "FBI says Internet romance scams are on the rise. Here's what you need to know." USA today. July 20, 2017. Accessed March 21, 2018.https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/07/20/fbi-says-internet-romance-scams-rise/485311001/.