15 Safe Online Dating Tips

Your intuition is a powerful tool in online dating, so listen to it. Stick to the well-known ones – they usually have better security and a bigger pool of potential matches. It’s like going to a popular café versus a shady bar — you want to be where the good vibes (and people) are!

You can also leave out your sexual orientation and preferences, depending on your location and the laws attached to them. Even after you match with someone and you guys are hitting it off, only share more private information when you are sure you trust them. In addition, do not give away your contact information, which includes your personal or work email, house address, and phone number, including places you frequent.

As much as you may want to increase your chances of finding a match by providing details about yourself, you are not advised to give out too much. Often, these apps will ask permission to access certain data, where you can take control of what you wish to share. Only grant permission to the things you are most comfortable sharing that do not reveal too much about you. Online dating sites often require tons of data from you as a user to help them better serve you and help locate the perfect matches.

Don’t Give People Passes

And if someone gets weird, you can just delete that number and cut all ties. Pick a dating site username that doesn’t reveal too much about you. Avoid using your full name, birth year, or other personal identifiers. A neutral username helps maintain your anonymity until you decide to reveal more. 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.

You can also use reverse image search tools to verify if their photos are genuine or stolen from elsewhere on the internet. Your personal information is valuable, and keeping it private is key to safe online dating. Here are a few tips to help ensure AI is playing Cupid, and not catfish. Feeling confident and prepared can turn online dating from stressful to empowering. Our expert-designed self defence courses equip you with real-life strategies to protect yourself, trust your instincts, and respond effectively in any scenario.

Begin by checking their social media presence to confirm details and ensure consistency with their dating profile. Scammers often use stolen images to create overly attractive profiles. Reputable platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge invest in robust security features to protect their users.

One way to do this is to run a comprehensive background check on your would-be date. Online dating exposes you to many new people you know nothing about — their identity, personality, or anything. So, while it is a great way to meet new people, it’s also an avenue for great danger because of said new people. Scammers often request financial assistance, fabricating family emergencies or personal crises to manipulate victims into sending money. No matter how convincing their story may seem, never send money to someone you’ve only met online.

Scammers or catfishes can easily trick their victims with text-only conversations, but with a video call, the whole sham falls apart. So, if your date hesitates or refuses, that is your cue to block and report. This goes without saying, but financial information is also off-limits. The above-listed things often compromise your privacy and safety on the platform and in the real world.

The encryption is great because while you can spoof your location without securely encrypting your online activity, your data can be linked back to you. A VPN’s encryption ensures your data is ineligible to snoopers and the platform. Before signing up, read reviews and check the platform’s security features. Ensure they have a clear privacy policy and user verification process. Exercise caution if someone uses excessive flattery or tries to form a quick emotional connection. Address any communication discrepancies openly to avoid misunderstandings and reveal potential deception.

This could give an opportunist chance to steal from you or for a scammer to take photos of your personal information or credit cards etc. Or a sexual predator could look to see if something has your address on. If you experience any of these situations, take them as major red flags! The other benefit of staying within the app is that they usually can’t send you photos, especially unsolicited explicit photos. Avoid sharing financial information, your Social Security number, bank account details, or intimate images of yourself.

• Identity theft is a real and pressing crisis today, so you must keep your private information private.
• Oftentimes, you can usually ask for a match’s Instagram or other social media platform and they might happily give it to you once they’ve gotten to know you better.
• However, it was not the first time a dating app broke privacy laws.
• Because of this, Scott says it’s important to meet someone in person sooner rather than later.

These identity thieves will, in turn, use your data to either commit crimes or take loans and other things in your name. You could incur financial ruin or a criminal record for stuff you had no hand in. This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired. Not everyone online is who they claim to be, so it’s important to stay vigilant. To learn more about the findings, check out our new 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report.

Minimising the personal information you share allows you to enjoy online dating safely. Avoid linking your dating profile to your other social media accounts. This minimises exposure to potential scammers and keeps your personal information secure. By staying vigilant and recognising these warning signs, you can protect yourself from scammers and ensure a safer online dating experience. Using a dating app can feel daunting on its own, even before factoring in the added challenges of a rapidly changing AI landscape. According to the survey, when it comes to safety, not all dating apps are equal.

ExtemeVPN stays true to its name, offering extremely high speeds to its users. This means better connection from wherever you are and a much stabler internet experience. Speaking of spoofing locations and protecting your privacy, a VPN is a great way to do the two simultaneously. It can encrypt your data and route your online activities through secure channels, ensuring total anonymity. Your Android device comes with a unique number from Google, which it uses to identify users and tailor personalized promotions and advertisements.

Also, refrain from giving your full name or real name, for that matter. I have a personal safety alarm attached to the outside of all my bags. In reality, this step isn’t going to keep you safe as your friend isn’t with you and can’t protect you. However, it may deter or unnerve your date if they were planning an assault. The scam can come weeks or months into the relationship once they feel they’ve gained your trust.

Most dating apps offer built-in messaging systems, which are designed to protect users’ personal information. Take advantage of these features and avoid moving conversations to text, email, or social media until you’re sure about the person’s authenticity. Scammers often push to transition off the app quickly to avoid being reported https://meet-withmature.com/ or blocked. By staying within the app, you maintain control over the conversation and benefit from the platform’s monitoring systems.

Online Dating Tips For Seniors

Before you take the plunge and meet up in person, why not have a video chat? It’s a great way to get a better feel for someone, beyond their profile and text messages. Plus, it adds an extra layer of safety, since you can confirm they are who they say they are.

As we step into 2025, online dating continues to evolve with new trends and technology. Video-first dating, AI matchmaking, and niche dating communities are transforming the way people connect. Staying safe while navigating this digital landscape requires a combination of awareness, preparation, and vigilance. Whether you’re new to dating apps or a seasoned user, these safety tips will help you protect yourself while enjoying the journey of finding meaningful connections. According to a 2026 survey, 62% of online daters felt confident that dating apps could help them find a long-term partner.

Oftentimes, you can usually ask for a match’s Instagram or other social media platform and they might happily give it to you once they’ve gotten to know you better. This article covers essential dating app safety tips to help you secure your personal information, spot potential scams, and enjoy online dating with confidence. Dive in to discover how to protect yourself while meeting new people online.

In today’s digital world, online dating has become a popular way to meet potential partners to start up a relationship. Apps and websites offer convenience and expand opportunities to connect with people we may never have crossed paths with otherwise. This digital landscape offers a potentially wider variety of choices you can swipe through from the comfort of your home.