Complete Guide to Online Dating Safety

We are keen to ensure that online dating is a safe and enjoyable process for all of our members, so we have put together a complete guide to online safety to help to protect you.

Choosing a dating website

When choosing a dating website, Google the name and see what other websites say about it and what reviews say as they will give you an honest review of their experiences. If you see lots of reviews that mention scammers, try to steer clear of those websites.

Also, it is a good idea to see which websites your friends recommend to you as they may have had a bad experience with one site and a good experience with another website.

Lastly, check the website’s terms and conditions to see what measures they have in place to protect your personal details and to protect you from scammers.

Creating your profile

When writing your dating profile do not include any details that will help people to find you offline. For example, do not mention the exact name of your workplace, or any groups that you attend.

Making a payment

When you come to pay for online dating, check that that the website has a secure payment system in place.

Also, it should go without saying, but, never send money to someone who you are talking to online. If anyone does ask you for money, make sure that you report them to the website administrator.

Sending and receiving messages

When you are communicating with someone whom you have spotted on an online dating website, make sure to use the secure online messaging service until you know them well. Do not hand out your contact details immediately as this will mean that your details will not be secure.

Meeting up

When you meet up for the first time, make sure that you meet in a busy public place and do not share a car with someone, or meet at their house until you know them well.

It is also sensible to let someone know where you are going and to arrange to check in with them during your date to show that you are safe and happy.

If you are ever unsure about someone, you should halt contact with them immediately and inform the website administrator.