While there are still some people who can brag about a meet-cute at a dog park, the rise in online dating has turned traditional courtship on its end. And the exploding number of dating sites and apps allow singles seeking companionship to connect with each other more quickly and easily than ever. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now. So it is no surprise that with so many strangers meeting strangers, the possibility of danger has increased exponentially. Safety must be a top priority for anyone looking for a date in the digital space, stresses Carla VandeWeerd, a University of South Florida professor and lead author of a report that explored the online dating experiences of women 50 and older. Almost a quarter of those polled also said they were concerned for their safety while on a date in the previous 12 months.

To play it safe, be shrewd when sharing personal information, use the internet for reconnaissance, and always meet a potential mate first in a public setting. Read on for details and more advice from fraud experts, relationship counselors, dating sites and consumer protection agencies. Experts also say to edit out any identifying information in photos, such as a home address or license plate number. Privacy Policy. If an online dating match makes that ask, report it to the dating site and stop all communications with that person, Nofziger advises.

Dating sites and apps have systems to uncover con artists, says Megan Murray, editor in chief of The Date Mix, the online magazine for dating site Zoosk. Regal Movie Tickets. Do some basic reconnaissance Google a potential suitor, VandeWeerd suggests. Among the things to check, according to the Better Business Bureau: profile name, email address and phone number.

Investigate the images Many fraudsters cloak their real identity by using photos swiped from other sites. To discover where else a picture may have appeared, upload it to web-scouring sites that use image recognition technology.

The BBB recommends tineye. com or images. Set up a predate video chat This can give you a feel for the person you are meeting — and can be done from the safety of your home, VandeWeerd notes. Be sure to remove any personal or identifying information that could show up in the background.

Pick a public setting for the first date A remote hike? Make sure your cellphone battery is fully charged, experts say, in case you need to call someone for assistance. Test them when you get to the location and when you are back. Even better, you can share your live location with your family and friends so they can sense if something is off. Do not rely on your potential partner to take you to the venue and bring you back. It is almost the same as sharing your address.

Always arrange your own ride. If you are visiting a new city to meet up, book a bed and breakfast or a hotel room. Remember that it is all about you. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, then leave. If you found these online dating safety tips helpful, please check out other articles for more quality and quick updates on online dating. Online dating can be safe depending on the measures you take. Avoid sharing personal information. Do your research. Trust your instincts and use reputable sites.

Deciding how long to wait before meeting in real life is your personal choice. Always meet when you feel comfortable enough.

If you feel like meeting up after a week, it is up to you. Just find a sweet spot before you and your partner lose momentum. Online dating is here to stay. People have found real relationships online. It's up to you to use your real name on a dating site. If you decide to use a pseudonym, be sure that it's a name that you're comfortable with and that won't be easily guessed by someone who knows you.

There are a few things to be aware of when online dating. First, don't give out too much personal information until you get to know someone. Second, be careful about who you meet in person. Third, stay safe when meeting people online by using a dating site with some verification process. You shouldn't give your phone number to someone you don't know on a dating site. If you decide, use a VoIP service or a disposable phone number. This will help to keep your personal information safe. Home Tips How to Stay Safe on Online Dating Sites?

Last updated Sep. Table of Contents. Online Dating Safety Tips. How To Meet Someone Online Safely. How safe is online dating?

How long should you talk online before meeting? Should I use my real name on dating sites? What should I be aware of when online dating? Should you give your phone number out on dating sites?

Remember when dating was relatively simple? Technology has changed much of that. While there are still some people who can brag about a meet-cute at a dog park, the rise in online dating has turned traditional courtship on its end. And the exploding number of dating sites and apps allow singles seeking companionship to connect with each other more quickly and easily than ever.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now. So it is no surprise that with so many strangers meeting strangers, the possibility of danger has increased exponentially. Safety must be a top priority for anyone looking for a date in the digital space, stresses Carla VandeWeerd, a University of South Florida professor and lead author of a report that explored the online dating experiences of women 50 and older.

Almost a quarter of those polled also said they were concerned for their safety while on a date in the previous 12 months. To play it safe, be shrewd when sharing personal information, use the internet for reconnaissance, and always meet a potential mate first in a public setting. Read on for details and more advice from fraud experts, relationship counselors, dating sites and consumer protection agencies.

Experts also say to edit out any identifying information in photos, such as a home address or license plate number. Privacy Policy. If an online dating match makes that ask, report it to the dating site and stop all communications with that person, Nofziger advises.

Dating sites and apps have systems to uncover con artists, says Megan Murray, editor in chief of The Date Mix, the online magazine for dating site Zoosk. Regal Movie Tickets. Do some basic reconnaissance Google a potential suitor, VandeWeerd suggests. Among the things to check, according to the Better Business Bureau: profile name, email address and phone number. Investigate the images Many fraudsters cloak their real identity by using photos swiped from other sites. To discover where else a picture may have appeared, upload it to web-scouring sites that use image recognition technology.

The BBB recommends tineye. com or images. Set up a predate video chat This can give you a feel for the person you are meeting — and can be done from the safety of your home, VandeWeerd notes. Be sure to remove any personal or identifying information that could show up in the background.

Pick a public setting for the first date A remote hike? Make sure your cellphone battery is fully charged, experts say, in case you need to call someone for assistance.

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Even better, you can share your live location with your family and friends so they can sense if something is off. MEMBER BENEFIT. In partnership with. Put on your detective pants. It is almost the same as sharing your address. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn.

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