Dating can be scary, but online dating is a whole new ballgame. You don't just have to worry about social faux pas or break-ups, but you also have to worry about your safety. Meeting someone in person can be risky, but there are precautions you can take to make online dating a little less scary and little more fun.
Know Who You're Talking To
If someone on a dating website refuses to talk to you over the phone before meeting, they are probably not who they say they are. To play it safe, you should insist that you talk on the phone and video chat before you agree to meet someone in person. In order to make sure the person is who they claim, you need to see them via video chat before you decide to meet offline.
Do Your Research
It's not a crime to do a little research on your date before you decide to meet with them. Make sure what they've told you checks out. Use a search engine to search for their name or do an image search on their profile picture. Double check their story by asking questions in different ways to make sure they keep their story straight. It may seem like overkill, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Beware of Scams
If a profile seems too good to be true, odds are it probably is. Fake profiles are usually someone running a scam. If your love interest starts asking for money or personal information pertaining to your bank account or credit cards, run far away, and don’t look back. If they are pressuring you for information, you need to cut them off and move on.
Keep Your Profile Somewhat Vague
Don't list your contact information on your profile. Identity theft is real and hard to bounce back from. If someone wants to talk to you and get to know you, then they will work toward earning your trust and, eventually, your phone number. Never put your address or work information on your profile because it makes you an easy target.
Follow the Meeting Rules
Once you decide it's time to meet someone in person, follow the rules. Tell your friends where you will be meeting, meet in a public place with lots of people around, and have a backup plan in case things don't go well. You can also plan a group date to ensure your safety. Having your friends with you can make things even more fun anyway!
