Summary
- Do not respond to requests for money for any reason.
- Do not give out detailed personal information.
- Be truthful when representing yourself.
Online dating is more popular than ever. With the emergence of mobile dating apps it is also easier than ever. You can find dating apps and sites for people with common interests. However, you may also find people on these sites and apps who have no interest in finding love.
Wham! Bam! You’ve been scammed!
It is sad but true. There are people on online dating sites who will tug at your heartstrings just to get to your purse strings. Before you fall for a scammer, know some of the warning signs:
- You are asked to leave the site right away and switch to more personal ways of communicating
- The person claims to be in love with you almost from the start
- The person claims to be working or traveling overseas
- The person falls into a hardship and needs your help
- You are asked to wire money, open a bank account, or make an online purchase for the person
Anyone who makes a request for money on these sites is most likely trying to scam you. Do not respond to requests for money for any reason. Block the person and report him if you feel it is warranted.
Other online dating dangers
Getting ripped off is not the only potential danger of online dating. There is also the threat of harassment or physical harm. Online dating gives you the chance to meet many new people. Relationships can sometimes begin and progress very quickly. While most of the people you meet online will be completely harmless, there are always exceptions.
For this reason, do not give out detailed personal information in your dating profile or in initial conversations. This includes your address, email, or phone number. Make sure this information is not available on other social media sites either.
Take things slowly and get to know the person online before making phone contact. Do not agree to meet with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or pressured. If you do decide to meet in person, make sure it is in a public place. Let someone else know where you are going. Drive separately or have a friend drive you and pick you up. Do not let the person you are meeting pick you up or take you home.
Before you meet anyone, you may want to download a safety app that allows you to instantly contact a close friend in an emergency. You can send them a preset alert to call you or to get you. The app is tied to GPS so they will know your exact location.
Protect your heart
Just like with conventional dating, online dating can lead to a broken heart. There is no real protection against that. Any relationship carries emotional risk. There are a few steps you can take to improve your overall online dating experience, however.
Try to find a dating site or app that is geared toward your interests. Many are grouped by race, religion, or age preferences. Some are tailored to specific locations, occupations, or hobbies.
Be truthful when representing yourself. Do not lie about your size or age or use a very old photo of yourself. Do not embellish facts about your career or education to try to impress people. Follow the golden rule: Treat others the same way you want to be treated; with honesty and respect.
Summary
- Do not respond to requests for money for any reason.
- Do not give out detailed personal information.
- Be truthful when representing yourself.
Online dating is more popular than ever. With the emergence of mobile dating apps it is also easier than ever. You can find dating apps and sites for people with common interests. However, you may also find people on these sites and apps who have no interest in finding love.
Wham! Bam! You’ve been scammed!
It is sad but true. There are people on online dating sites who will tug at your heartstrings just to get to your purse strings. Before you fall for a scammer, know some of the warning signs:
- You are asked to leave the site right away and switch to more personal ways of communicating
- The person claims to be in love with you almost from the start
- The person claims to be working or traveling overseas
- The person falls into a hardship and needs your help
- You are asked to wire money, open a bank account, or make an online purchase for the person
Anyone who makes a request for money on these sites is most likely trying to scam you. Do not respond to requests for money for any reason. Block the person and report him if you feel it is warranted.
Other online dating dangers
Getting ripped off is not the only potential danger of online dating. There is also the threat of harassment or physical harm. Online dating gives you the chance to meet many new people. Relationships can sometimes begin and progress very quickly. While most of the people you meet online will be completely harmless, there are always exceptions.
For this reason, do not give out detailed personal information in your dating profile or in initial conversations. This includes your address, email, or phone number. Make sure this information is not available on other social media sites either.
Take things slowly and get to know the person online before making phone contact. Do not agree to meet with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or pressured. If you do decide to meet in person, make sure it is in a public place. Let someone else know where you are going. Drive separately or have a friend drive you and pick you up. Do not let the person you are meeting pick you up or take you home.
Before you meet anyone, you may want to download a safety app that allows you to instantly contact a close friend in an emergency. You can send them a preset alert to call you or to get you. The app is tied to GPS so they will know your exact location.
Protect your heart
Just like with conventional dating, online dating can lead to a broken heart. There is no real protection against that. Any relationship carries emotional risk. There are a few steps you can take to improve your overall online dating experience, however.
Try to find a dating site or app that is geared toward your interests. Many are grouped by race, religion, or age preferences. Some are tailored to specific locations, occupations, or hobbies.
Be truthful when representing yourself. Do not lie about your size or age or use a very old photo of yourself. Do not embellish facts about your career or education to try to impress people. Follow the golden rule: Treat others the same way you want to be treated; with honesty and respect.
Summary
- Do not respond to requests for money for any reason.
- Do not give out detailed personal information.
- Be truthful when representing yourself.
Online dating is more popular than ever. With the emergence of mobile dating apps it is also easier than ever. You can find dating apps and sites for people with common interests. However, you may also find people on these sites and apps who have no interest in finding love.
Wham! Bam! You’ve been scammed!
It is sad but true. There are people on online dating sites who will tug at your heartstrings just to get to your purse strings. Before you fall for a scammer, know some of the warning signs:
- You are asked to leave the site right away and switch to more personal ways of communicating
- The person claims to be in love with you almost from the start
- The person claims to be working or traveling overseas
- The person falls into a hardship and needs your help
- You are asked to wire money, open a bank account, or make an online purchase for the person
Anyone who makes a request for money on these sites is most likely trying to scam you. Do not respond to requests for money for any reason. Block the person and report him if you feel it is warranted.
Other online dating dangers
Getting ripped off is not the only potential danger of online dating. There is also the threat of harassment or physical harm. Online dating gives you the chance to meet many new people. Relationships can sometimes begin and progress very quickly. While most of the people you meet online will be completely harmless, there are always exceptions.
For this reason, do not give out detailed personal information in your dating profile or in initial conversations. This includes your address, email, or phone number. Make sure this information is not available on other social media sites either.
Take things slowly and get to know the person online before making phone contact. Do not agree to meet with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or pressured. If you do decide to meet in person, make sure it is in a public place. Let someone else know where you are going. Drive separately or have a friend drive you and pick you up. Do not let the person you are meeting pick you up or take you home.
Before you meet anyone, you may want to download a safety app that allows you to instantly contact a close friend in an emergency. You can send them a preset alert to call you or to get you. The app is tied to GPS so they will know your exact location.
Protect your heart
Just like with conventional dating, online dating can lead to a broken heart. There is no real protection against that. Any relationship carries emotional risk. There are a few steps you can take to improve your overall online dating experience, however.
Try to find a dating site or app that is geared toward your interests. Many are grouped by race, religion, or age preferences. Some are tailored to specific locations, occupations, or hobbies.
Be truthful when representing yourself. Do not lie about your size or age or use a very old photo of yourself. Do not embellish facts about your career or education to try to impress people. Follow the golden rule: Treat others the same way you want to be treated; with honesty and respect.