How to Protect Yourself from Scammers

Online dating sites are packed full of genuinely single people who are looking to find a suitable date, but it is important to be aware that some less honourable people do try to join dating websites. Here are some ways to protect yourself from scammers…

Join a reputable dating website

At Muddy Matches we have procedures in place that help to ensure that only genuine people join the website. We even have a customer service team to read through every profile that is sent through to us and to look at every single photo that is sent for approval.

When joining a website, take a look at how they look for scammers and find out what the reporting process is if you are concerned about someone.

If you are unsure about which website/s to join, ask your friends for advice.

Be strong

Don’t use phrases like “I always get treated badly”, or “I’m very unlucky in love” as this makes you look like an easy target for scammers.

Be wary

If someone gets in touch with you and asks you to communicate with them outside of the website straight away, ask them to message you through the website. By using the messaging service, your personal details will be protected.

Don’t ignore excuses

If you have arranged to meet up a few times, but your date keeps cancelling on you, be wary of what it going on.

Meet up quickly

Meeting up is a way to tell that someone is real and it’s the whole point of online dating. Don’t fall into the trap of becoming attached without meeting face-to-face.

Send a few messages and then arrange to meet in a safe and public place.

Don’t ever send money!

We cannot stress this enough – no matter what someone says to you, do not send them money if you do not know them! Scammers have been known to ask for money for train fares, flights and even laptops.

For more information, take a look at the Get Safe Online page.