Online Dating and Dating App Safety Tips
More than 40 million Americans use online dating services or dating apps. As is the case when meeting someone new, whether online or offline, it’s wise to keep a few safety precautions in mind. Dating apps don’t conduct criminal background checks on users, so it’s up to each user to determine if they are comfortable meeting up with someone. However, it is important to remember that if you do experience sexual assault or violence while dating online or using an app, it is not your fault.
Below are some steps you can take to increase your safety when interacting with others through online dating apps and services—whether you are interacting virtually or in person. Like any safety tips, they are not a guarantee, but they may help you feel more secure.
Avoid connecting with suspicious profiles
If the person you matched with has no bio, linked social media accounts, and has only posted one picture, it may be a fake account. It’s important to use caution if you choose to connect with someone you have so little information about.
Do Your Research
Everyone should know the drill- do a simple Google search before meeting your date. That doesn’t mean become a stalker, that just means make sure you have at least some idea as to who the person is before you meet with him or her. If possible, try to find pictures and see what additional information comes up about the person beyond Facebook and Instagram.
Block and report suspicious users
You can block and report another user if you feel their profile is suspicious or if they have acted inappropriately toward you. This can often be done anonymously before or after you’ve matched. As with any personal interaction, it is always possible for people to misrepresent themselves. Trust your instincts about whether you feel someone is representing themself truthfully or not.
Use a Google Voice Number Instead of Your Own
To take your safety a step further, get a free Google Voice phone number. With the Google Voice app, you’re able to check your calls, voicemails, and messages without giving out your real number. You can also block anyone who comes across a little “sketch”. Keep your personal number secure and only for people you feel comfortable with.
Don’t Respond to Requests for Financial Help
No matter how convincing and compelling someone’s reason may seem, never respond to a request to send money, especially overseas or via wire transfer. If you do get such a request, report it to the app or site you’re using immediately
Trust your instincts
If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and feel free to leave a date or cut off communication with whoever is making you feel unsafe. Do not worry about feeling rude — your safety is most important, and your date should understand that.
If you felt uncomfortable or unsafe during the date, remember you can always unmatch, block, or report your match after meeting up in person which will keep them from being able to access your profile in the future.
Sexual assault and harassment are never acceptable and are never the victim’s fault no matter what you were wearing, drinking, or whom you were with. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and online.rainn.org is here to listen and provide resources, and is anonymous, free, and available 24/7.
Report Trickery
You will never receive an invoice from the site, in the form of paper, PDF or otherwise. If someone attempts to complete a transaction through any of these methods, please report it immediately: Western Union, MoneyGram, Liberty Reserve, cash app, check, money order, cash transaction..
TearyDoubloon3
Good design overall. it's easy to scroll up and down a profile - not so much to switch between pictures though. I like the hundreds of questions (optional, don't worry!), which allow you to gain an insight into your potential match's values. I am yet to understand how many superlikes the free version gives you and when they arrive, but other than that, the app is pretty intuitive.
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Stephanie Lenzo
I did paid for a few months, but the free version is actually pretty good. I like the variety of people on this app, Also the page is LGBT+ friendly. I do wish I could see likes/intros more easily, but overall this is my favorite app.
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Jacob Thompson
Tried this to make new friends in a city where I've moved for a job recently. I like its possibility to give and share plenty of information through answering thousands of questions in all kinds of topics, selecting a range of acceptable answers for matching other people as well as prioritizing the Q&As by importance/weight which affects the matching percentage.
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Thirdy Sam
That's actually right. Well to be honest i have a doubt using this before. But so far it is all good ! I am envy because i can't pay for the premium membership .
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Terry Rose
Well actually the VIP and premium don't have much difference at all. Aside from the crash emergency response which is actually good. I am a premium user and tried the crash response when i accidentally bump my car into a tree .
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Alex W
Good site but i hope all sorts of card are being accepted. I have issues using my AMEX and discover card . Have tried everything, contacted customer service ten times and they haven't helped at all .Then i discover that this site doesn't accept those card. But luckily they are accepting a 50$ dollar gift card. Please enlightmen me about this thing.
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