Online Dating Safety: 12 Rules Everyone Should Follow

Verify before you trust

Ask for a live video chat early.
Reverse-image-search suspicious photos.
Be wary of brand-new profiles that move very fast.

Protect your information

Keep conversations on-platform at first.
Don't share your address, workplace or ID.
Use a dedicated email for dating.

Follow the money

Never send money, gift cards or crypto.
Be alarmed by investment "opportunities".
Pay only through official platform systems.

Meet on your terms

Meet in a public place the first time.
Tell a friend where you will be and when.
Arrange your own transport so you can leave freely.

When something feels off

Trust that instinct. Report and block through the platform, and remember that legitimate interest never includes a request for your money. If you are dating later in life, also read safety tips for senior dating.

Protect yourself while you date

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Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest online dating red flags?

Refusing video chat, rushing intimacy, asking you to move off-platform quickly, and any request for money or gift cards.

How do I know if someone is catfishing me?

Ask for a short live video call. If they consistently avoid it and their photos look too polished, treat it as a strong warning sign.

Is it safe to give my phone number?

Only once you trust the person. Until then, keep calls and chats inside the platform, where you can report problems.