Safe In 60: Online Dating 101 – Safety Steps You Shouldn’t Skip

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – More than 40 million Americans have used a dating app to find that special someone. Plenty have found a lasting connection, but some have also found predators and criminals.

If you’re considering signing up on an app – make sure you take steps to protect yourself.

Before you join a dating app, research various options to see which one is right for you. Ask friends who have used the app for advice and lessons they’ve learned.

Next, do an online search of your name. See what personal information is out there. If your address, workplace or phone number is publicly available, you may want to wait to sign up until you’re able to make that information private.

When you set up your dating profile, use a different photo than you use on social media. People can do a reverse image search to find your social media accounts and obtain personal information you may want to keep private.

Once you’re on the app, don’t give out your phone number. Use the app’s chat function. If you want to talk on the phone, you can set up a service like Google voice that allows you to keep your real phone number private.

If at any time a potential date makes you feel uncomfortable, is being inappropriate, or pressures you to give information you don’t want to share, stop communicating with them and report them to the app. You can save the next person the hassle and waste of time.

Online imposters can break your heart as well as your bank account, so watch for potential scams. If someone gives you a sob story, asks for money or tries to sell you anything, stop communication and report them.

If you have concerns that the person may not be who they say they are, or isn’t being honest about their age or sex, consider requesting to video chat before you agree to meet in person.

And it’s not stalkerish to do your homework before you meet in person. You have the right to look for obvious red flags. There is a lot of public information available online, and you have every right to take some proactive steps to protect yourself. If you knew your potential date has a criminal record, would you still go out with them?

Once you decide to meet in person, do it in a public place. Don’t give out your home or work address. Arrange your own transportation so you can leave at any time. Make sure you have money and a fully charged cell phone.

Let someone you trust know your plans. Ask them to check up on you. You may want to share your location with them on your phone. Or better yet – plan a double date.

If you will be drinking, know your limits when it comes to alcohol. It’s more difficult to be aware of your surroundings and make good decisions when you’ve had too much to drink. Always keep an eye on your drink.

Most importantly, listen to your instincts. If something feels off or wrong, it probably is. You have no obligation to anyone to continue a date if you feel uncomfortable. Don’t worry about being polite – your safety is more important than their feelings.

Some dating apps have new safety features like a panic button. You can look at those settings before the date. Or you can enlist the help of a bartender or server if needed. Let them know you are feeling uncomfortable.

If you are harassed, assaulted or otherwise criminally victimized by someone you have met online, report it to the police immediately.

I don’t want to scare you away from using dating apps – they have resulted in happy relationships for thousands of people. Meeting new people always comes with some risk, but by being careful and aware, you can focus on the people you really want to meet, rather than wasting time on those who may not have the right intentions. And by following these guidelines, you will have that added sense of security so you can enjoy yourself.