13 Online Dating Safety Tips

According to Match.com 40 million Americans use the internet to search for love.  There are more than 8,000 dating sites and platforms worldwide according to Cloudwards. It’s now a whopping multi-billion dollar industry. Tinder leads with the most users, followed by Match, Bumble, Okcupid and eHarmony, Online dating has become the popular way to meet someone these days with the ease of creating a profile.   

With the popularity of online dating apps and websites, we cannot be unaware of safety issues and scams. Dating apps might be a good way to meet a life partner and many do but they are also a platform that criminals use.

Here are 13 dating tips to make online dating safe

1. Know his full name and phone number.
2. Send his picture, name and phone number to a friend(s). As well as when and where your date will take place.
3. Leave your phone on during your date.
4. Don’t get into his car. Meet up at a public place like a restaurant during daytime hours.  Always park where there is good lighting. Be aware if he insists on picking you up at your place or meeting up at his. Those are red flags.
5. Limit your alcohol consumption.  Too much alcohol can give you a false sense of security. It can impair your judgement, making you vulnerable to theft and assault.
6. Video chat before you meet up.  This can ensure they are who they claim to be in their profile.
7. When creating your profile be mindful of the pictures you share. Don’t include pictures of children.  Be careful to not post pictures that reveal your address such as street signs or home address.
8. Do your research on your potential date.  You can do a reverse image search on Google to verify they are who they say they are!
9. Check their background by doing a Google search. Many websites offer a background check for a minimal fee. It might just be good money spent.
10. Check their Social Media to see if their pictures are the same. Sometimes, you may have mutual friends. They can be a good source of information.
11. Keep your personal information private.  Don’t give out your address, bank accounts, credit cards, etc.
12. If you feel suspicious or uncomfortable on your date, leave.  Recruit the help of a waiter or bar tender.
13. Don’t leave your drink or personal items unattended. It’s easy to let your guard down. It can happen to anyone. That’s why it’s important to know these safety tips and go over them from time to time to keep it fresh in your mind.

It’s easy to let your guard down. It can happen to anyone. That’s why it’s important to know these safety tips and go over them from time to time to keep it fresh in your mind.

I let my guard down on a date.  After a nice dinner, my date wanted the date to continue.  He asked me what there was to do.  Being from a small town, I said we could go for a walk around a lake.  He asked me to ride with him to the lake. So, I agreed. As soon as I got into his car, I felt I had made a mistake. He stopped at a convenience store.  He purchased rubber gloves and a spray bottle.  My heart started pounding.  That was creepy. I wish I could tell you that I didn’t get back into his car but I did.  Fortunately, nothing criminal happened and I’m still here to talk about it. That incident could have turned out completely different.   That’s why we need to know these safety tips and have a plan in place if we feel uncomfortable getting out of the date. I hope you find your Mr. or Mrs. Right!