The internet opens up endless possibilities not only for dating, but also for disappointment. What did you expect? It's all just like in real life: pink unicorns don't fly around marshmallow castles, and you often run into deceivers and people with broken psyches. Concerned about your safety, we're publishing a few rules that will preserve your peace of mind and save your nerves.
Personal safety
When you sign up on dating sites and start chatting, don't rush to share everything about yourself: your personal phone number, home address, your beloved grandmother's name, and so on. You should be wary if your conversation partner is overly eager to pry personal information out of you. And if they start asking questions about your financial situation, feel free to send them straight to the blacklist.
Trustworthy sites
Choose quality dating services: look at their privacy policy, check how their support team works. Above all, remember: the most popular site doesn't always equal the safest one.
Use the service's built-in features
Let's say you've already met someone who's simply out of this world. Don't rush to move the conversation outside the service — use its built-in features. Malicious actors collect emails and phone numbers to extort and steal money, as well as to send spam. For example, if they get hold of your email, at best your inbox will be flooded with junk mail.
Get to know the people you talk to
Before moving on to intimate conversation (and we're not just talking about sex), get to know the person you're chatting with a little better. Pay attention to how they write, what they write about, and so on. If you have doubts, it's wise to end the friendship or at least stay on your guard.
Don't send money
Never — do you hear us? NEVER — send money to people from dating sites. And do read our article on extortion tactics; it'll come in handy.
A safe first date
Now let's talk about when your conversation partner seems perfectly normal, you've been messaging each other for days on end, and you're already, it seems, in love. You're getting ready to meet in person. And here we strongly advise you to let someone close to you know where you're going, why, and with whom. Of course, everything could go wonderfully — but better safe than sorry.
Reason first, emotions second
In love, as in war — and on the internet, even more so. Be cautious, be attentive, and don't let your emotions make decisions for you. There's no need to switch them off entirely — after all, we're looking for love — but you can think your steps through yourself or consult with those close to you.
We hope our advice saves you some nerve cells and money. Date mindfully, and use only secure services.