If you just started in online dating then it’s highly recommended to learn how to stay safe and avoid being catfished, scammed, or victimized by online dating criminals. We compiled 6 simple but really helpful tips that you can do to make sure you don’t fall for any kinds of online dating scams and crimes.
Contents
Protect your Personal Information
Most dating sites have an option for their members to hide some of your profile information. We strongly advice that you hide these 2 important info: birthdate (you can show your age) and your complete address (you can leave your country or city visible).
Never Send Naked Pics and Videos
This is what we call sextortion. If the dating site member asks you to send them nude pics or do a video chat while you’re naked, never do it. They can use these images or videos to extort you, scammers can force you to send them money in exchange for not uploading your private images in public.
Learn to Avoid Fake Profiles
If the dating site you are using has a feature like verified/trusted members or anything alike, you should take advantage of it to make sure you are talking to real people and not bots or scammers.
The Most Common Online Dating Scam
Most newbies in online dating fall for the so called money scam (the dating site member asks you to send money through western union, moneygram or any money remittance service, they will say that they need money for their hospital bills, plane ticket to meet you, etc.) It’s quite simple to identify avoid this scam, if anyone from dating sites starts asking you for money just block them immediately.
Never Let your Date Pick you up from Home
If you and your date decides to meet in person, never let him or her pick you up from your house. For your safety we highly recommend meeting up in a public place instead.
Safe Guard your Account
Here are some tips you can do to keep your online dating account safe from hackers:
- Use a password that is different from your other online accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Email, online bank account.
- If the dating site has a 2 factor authentication (link your phone number to receive a text message whenever you login to your account).
- Never give your email address and most importantly your password to anyone you talk to from dating sites.
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