Safety Tips for Online Dating

Profile Safety

• Use a Recent Photo: Upload clear, recent photos of yourself to help potential matches recognize you in person.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information about yourself. Deception erodes trust and can lead to problems.
• Protect Your Information: Don't share personal details like your home address, workplace, or full name initially.
• Use a Separate Email: Consider using a dedicated email address for your dating profile.
• Avoid Personal Details: Don't include your phone number, last name, or workplace in your profile.

Communication Safety

• Take Your Time: Chat with matches within our platform before moving to phone or other messaging apps.
• Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious of members who ask for money, rush to meet in person, or ask for personal information.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't hesitate to block or report suspicious members.
• Video Chat First: Before meeting in person, arrange a video call to verify the person matches their profile.
• Keep Conversations Light: Avoid sharing deeply personal or sensitive information early on.

Meeting in Person

• Meet in Public: Always meet your match in a public place like a café, restaurant, or park.
• Tell Someone: Inform a trusted friend or family member about your date, including who you're meeting and where.
• Arrange Your Own Transport: Drive yourself or take public transportation. Don't rely on your date for rides.
• Have an Exit Plan: Know how to safely leave the location if things don't go well.
• Set a Time Limit: Plan for a specific time frame for your first meeting (e.g., coffee for 30 minutes).
• Stay Sober: Limit alcohol consumption during first meetings to keep your wits about you.
• Keep Your Phone Charged: Ensure your phone is fully charged and easily accessible.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for money or financial information
• Pressure to move conversations off the platform quickly
• Reluctance to video chat or meet in person
• Inconsistencies in their story or background
• Excessive flattery or "love bombing" early on
• Requests to send intimate photos
• Members who claim to be traveling or in crisis situations
• Profiles with only one or heavily filtered photos
• Unwillingness to provide additional information

Protecting Your Personal Information

• Never share your Social Security number, driver's license, or passport information
• Be cautious about sharing your full name and address
• Don't provide banking or credit card information to anyone you meet online
• Keep your personal passwords private
• Be careful about location sharing features on your phone

Online Scams & Catfishing

Be Aware of Common Scams:

• Romance Scams: Scammers build a fake relationship to request money.
• Catfishing: Using fake photos or false information to deceive you.
• Investment Schemes: Offering investment opportunities that are actually frauds.
• Phishing: Attempting to get your login credentials or personal information.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you encounter suspicious or inappropriate behavior, please report it immediately:

• Use the "Report User" button on their profile
• Contact our support team at support@lovematchusa.com
• Save screenshots of suspicious messages
• Block the user to prevent further contact

After the Date

• Let your trusted friend know you're safe
• Take time to process the date before making decisions
• If you're not interested, be honest but kind when declining
• If the person becomes aggressive or won't accept rejection, block them

Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is your best defense. If something doesn't feel right, trust that feeling. It's better to be cautious than to put yourself at risk. Remember that legitimate matches will respect your boundaries and safety concerns.

Additional Resources

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftc.gov
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Cybertipline: www.cybertipline.org