Welcome to the wild, wild west of the modern romance frontier: online dating. It’s an exciting place filled with potential partners, intriguing conversations, and sometimes, a fair share of oddballs. While swiping right can lead to a fairy tale ending, it’s essential to keep your wits about you. Just like a good detective, you need to recognize the red flags and know how to stay secure. Ready to become an online dating safety guru? Let’s dive in!
Red Flags in Online Dating
We previously wrote a post on the best online dating advice but today we wanted to revisit this topic to make sure that you haven’t missed the growing threat of online dating scams. Below are the top most common red flags in online dating.
1. Superstar Profile
If their profile makes them seem like a perfect combination of George Clooney, Mother Teresa, and Elon Musk, your skepticism radar should be buzzing. Too good to be true? Probably.
Remember Manti Te’o? The football star fell for a fake online girlfriend whose story was a mix of tragedy and deception. If Manti had been a bit more skeptical, he might have avoided the heartbreak and embarrassment.
2. Reluctance to Meet in Person
If you’ve been chatting for weeks and your potential date always has an excuse to not meet up, consider this a red flag. While some excuses are valid, perpetual evasion is often a sign they’re hiding something.
“My cat has a yoga class” might sound cute once, but if it’s a regular excuse, time to swipe left.
3. Overly Fast Intimacy
Beware of the person who professes their undying love for you after a couple of messages. While it’s flattering to be adored, real relationships take time to develop.
Simon Leviev, the so-called “Tinder Swindler,” quickly made his victims feel special before swindling them out of thousands of dollars. Don’t let love bombing cloud your judgment.
How to Stay Secure in Online Dating
Staying secure in online interactions is becoming a necessity with the increasing amount of dating fraud. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter or check out our Safety category regularly to stay on top of emerging trends and how to protect yourself.
1. Verify Their Identity
Before you get too invested, do a little detective work. A quick reverse image search can tell you if their profile picture belongs to someone else. Check their social media for consistency.
Tip: Names and Facts is your friend. Use it to see if their story checks out.
2. Use the Platform’s Features
Most dating apps have built-in features to protect users. Use them! For example, Tinder has photo verification, while Bumble has video chat.
Think of these features as the bouncers of the online dating club. They’re there to keep the weirdos out.
3. Protect Your Personal Information
Never share sensitive information like your home address, workplace, or financial details. Your new match doesn’t need to know your mother’s maiden name or your first pet’s name.
In 2016, R&B singer Ciara revealed she was cautious about online dating, emphasizing the importance of keeping personal details private until you’re sure about the person.
First Date Safety Measures
Even if your date is not an online scammer it’s very important to keep in mind the basic safety measures. There are many other potentially awkward and outright dangerous situations that can happen on your first meeting in person.
1. Choose a Public Place
Your first date should always be in a public place. Coffee shops, restaurants, or busy parks are great options. Avoid secluded areas.
As charming as a moonlit walk in the park sounds, save it for after you know they’re not a vampire.
2. Inform a Friend
Tell a friend or family member about your date plans. Share the details of who you’re meeting, where, and when. It’s like having a safety net.
Actress Sharon Stone once shared that she always informs a friend about her date plans. If it’s good enough for Sharon, it’s good enough for us!
3. Arrange Your Own Transport
Drive yourself or use a rideshare service. This way, you can leave whenever you feel uncomfortable.
Letting your date pick you up might seem romantic, but remember, Uber won’t try to impress you with bad karaoke.
Online Dating Scams to Watch Out For
There are many scams to watch out for and we do our best to expose them and inform you how to keep yourself safe. Here are the top scams related to online dating.
1. The Sob Story
Beware of someone who quickly shares a sad story and then asks for money. They might claim they need help with a sick relative or a financial crisis.
Countless celebrities have spoken out against scams where imposters use their names to solicit money. If they’re targeting A-listers, they can target you too.
2. The Fake Job Offer
Some scammers might offer you a job opportunity that sounds too good to be true. They’ll eventually ask for your bank details to “process your payment.”
Real job offers come through official channels, not through your dating app chat.
3. Phishing Links
If your match sends you a suspicious link, don’t click it. They might be trying to phish your personal information.
The only links you should trust are the ones to funny cat videos.
Conclusion
Online dating can lead to beautiful relationships, but staying secure requires vigilance. By recognizing red flags and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the dating experience without falling prey to scams or shady characters. Stay smart, stay safe, and may your online dating adventures be filled with genuine connections and fewer red flags than a bullfight.
FAQ:
What are some common red flags in online dating?
Common red flags include profiles that seem too good to be true, reluctance to meet in person, and overly fast declarations of love.
How can I verify someone’s identity on a dating app?
Use tools like reverse image search, check their social media profiles, and use the dating app’s verification features.
What should I do if someone asks for money on a dating app?
Never send money to someone you’ve only met online. It’s likely a scam.
How can I stay safe during the first meeting with an online date?
Meet in a public place, inform a friend about your plans, and arrange your own transport.
Are there any famous cases of online dating scams?
Yes, notable cases include Manti Te’o’s fake girlfriend and the “Tinder Swindler” Simon Leviev. Always be cautious and aware.
