Safety
Online Dating Safety for Seniors: Scam Alert
Romance scams cost victims billions each year, and older daters are targeted most. The good news: the pattern is predictable, and once you know it you are very hard to fool.
The standard scam script
It rarely varies. Fast, intense affection. A reason they cannot meet or video call. A sudden crisis — a hospital bill, a customs fee, a blocked account — followed by a request for money. Recognising the script is 90% of the defence.
The one rule that protects you
Never send money, gift cards, bank details or crypto to someone you have not met in person, no matter the emergency or how much you care. Genuine partners understand this boundary.
Verify before you invest
- Insist on a live video chat — genuine people agree.
- Reverse-search profile photos.
- Be cautious with anyone overseas who will not video call.
- Ask a friend or family member for a second opinion.
Dating safely at 50+
Once you are confident someone is genuine, meeting is straightforward: public place, daytime, your own transport, and someone knows where you are. See getting back into dating after 50 and the general online dating safety guide.