Safe Dating Advice
Dating is fun, exciting and can be a good way to get to know more people. But, with more people than ever turning to dating apps and sites to find potential dates, we want to ensure you are staying safe online. We have put together some golden rules to help you get the most out of your online dating journey.
Tips when browsing
- Don’t give out your number. Well, not straight away at least. Wait until you know someone a bit before you share your contact details. If someone asks for your number straight away, politely decline.
- Do your own research. This is when social media platforms become useful and you can get a better idea of who you are really talking to. Yes, we are telling you to Facebook stalk.
- Never send money. If someone you are communicating with on a dating site asks you for money or your bank details they are likely to be a scammer. If you have experienced monetary fraud on a dating site, report it to Action Fraud via their reporting tool here.
- Report unwarranted behaviour. If you encounter a suspicious member on a dating site or someone has been rude and abusive to you, do not hesitate to report them to the Customer Care team using the report buttons on the app or site page.
On the date
- Meet in a public place. When you meet a date you met on dating sites for the first time, do it in a public place like a bar or café. Do not go to their home, and do not give them your address.
- Arrange your own transport. Don’t let your date pick you up from your home on your first meeting. Check the time of the last train/bus/tube. Drive yourself or get a friend to drive you there and back if you think you will miss the last departure times on public transport.
- Tell a friend. Inform someone you know and trust that you are going on a date and give them details of where you are going and who with.
- Stay connected. Make sure your phone is charged before your date.
- Watch your alcohol intake. Make sure you do not have to rely on someone else to get you home as this may put you in a vulnerable position.
- Leave a date at any point you feel uncomfortable. You could text a friend to ring you and leave due to an ‘emergency’’ if you feel too awkward to say it outright.
- Take action. If you have encountered an incident of a serious nature call the police straight away.
Remember: To ensure that you have the safest experience, use your best judgement when dating.