Online dating can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit of a romantic minefield – and as millions of users join dating websites every month, it is important to stay savvy.
If you want to make sure that you aren’t getting into any danger, here is how to stay safe while online dating.
1. Ask for extra contact information
If you have been speaking to someone of a few days or weeks and you sense that it might be going somewhere, ask them for their phone number or email address so that you know they are who they are saying they are. This is basic information that nearly everyone has, so if they don’t want to give you their details it could be a cause for concern.
2. Ask yourself if their information looks correct and up to date
You could also go on the other person’s dating profile to see if their pictures look recent or out-dated. Everyone wants to make themselves look better online, but some people go too far and lie about their age or use out-dated images, so if their profile seems out of date they could be using old images.
3. Ask for their social media
Nearly everyone has a Facebook or Twitter account, and adding them on social media is a great way to confirm that they are really who they seem. You don’t need to spend hours stalking their profile to find out their father’s name, but a quick scroll should let you know if they are real or not.
4. Meet in public
If you decide to meet the other person for the first time, make sure that you meet in a public place where you feel safe. Avoid heading to an area that you don’t know well, and never go to their house.
5. Delete them if you suspect they are lying
If you are talking to someone and you suspect that they are lying to you or pretending to be someone else, simply delete them. You don’t have to speak to someone if you are worried that they are not who they say they are, especially if they are pushing you to meet them or send them money or personal details.
It is important to stay safe online, especially if you are looking to date someone you have never met before.
