Dating Safety in 2022
Online dating is a great way to meet new people, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right skills and resources. Luckily, technology is improving all the time, and there are ways to stay safe when you’re dating online. For example, dating apps now have encrypted messaging systems and moderators who can catch abusive behavior in chat. These features can protect you from scams, abuse, and fraud. If you’re worried about being a victim of dating scams, you can always use dating safety resources to get the information you need.
Dating Can Be Dangerous
Dating can be fun but also dangerous. According to a report from the FTC, there were more than 21 million victims of romance scams in 2019. And that number is only increasing as more and more people turn to online dating.
While most people have good intentions, not everyone is looking for love. Some scammers use online dating sites to find victims, and then they try to scam them out of money. Others may be looking for a physical relationship, but they’re really just trying to take advantage of you.
So how can you stay safe when dating?
Watch Out for Catfish
A catfish will always try to get you hooked in the shortest time possible with lavish compliments and love words. They will also try to evoke emotions by inventing a romantic story about their past. They may even ask you for money or try to make you feel uncomfortable by using ridiculous gimmicks. It’s important to watch out for these early warning signs.
While catfishes may be master manipulators, you should use your common sense and trust your own instincts. If you notice something suspicious, it’s easy to end the relationship immediately and report the crook to the appropriate authorities. You should also remember that you can’t be sure who’s hiding behind the screen name or a profile picture. Therefore, don’t give out your contact details to anyone.
Watch Out For Dating Scams
There is a lot you can do to protect yourself from dating scams. One of the best ways is to be cautious about your online dating activity. Some online dating sites ask for your personal information such as bank account details or copies of your ID cards. You should also be wary of dating scams that isolate you from your family and friends and pressure you into making impulsive decisions.
Most scammers don’t bother to write an individualized profile, so they simply copy and paste messages they’ve seen in other people’s profiles. When you receive messages from a dating scammer, you should ignore them. You should also avoid video chats or meetings in person with a scammer. The reason is that these scammers want to remain anonymous and prevent their victims from being identified.
Video Chat With People Before Meeting
Video chat is a great way to gauge compatibility with someone before you meet them in person. Tinder, for example, recently added the ability to video chat with people you’ve contacted. The app allows you to record a short video clip of yourself and send it to the person you want to meet. This way, you’ll get a better sense of their personality and sense of humor without having to go to a coffee shop.
Video chat is also the best way to help identify potential catfish. While it is possible to fake photos, it is impossible to fake a live video. So if you’re talking to someone online and they refuse to video chat, this is a major red flag.
Always Meet in a Public Place
First-date safety should be one of your top priorities. Meeting in a public location is a smart way to avoid potential problems and can help you feel more secure and comfortable with the person you’re meeting. It’s also a good idea to designate a friend or family member as a safety buddy. Let them know where you’re going and make sure they have a cell phone charged in case something should happen. You might also want to plan a ride-share app or have a friend to pick you up.
Never meet up in a crowded or unsafe location. If you do have an open date, choose an outdoor location instead of a crowded indoor space. Parks, open-air museums, outdoor cafes, and hikes are all great places to spend a special date.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, tell a friend or family member about your plans and give them your date’s name and contact information. It’s also a good idea to have your phone fully charged before meeting up and to keep it on you at all times. In case of an emergency, you can easily call for help.
Conclusion
Dating can be a fun and exciting experience. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone is genuine. There are people out there who will try to take advantage of you. By following these simple safety tips, you can help protect yourself from scammers and other dangers.
