How To Stay Safe When Dating

Meeting new people is exciting! Whether you are exchanging initial messages, or meeting in person, you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you do not fully know. Use your judgment, and put your safety first. While you cannot control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your online dating experience with the Singles Meet App.

Do not Share Financial Information

Do not directly send money, especially if the person claims to have an emergency. By now, you may have heard stories of people that have been scammed by someone they met on Tinder, or had an online relationship with. Digitally sending money is the equivalent of sending cash to someone. The chances of getting your money back is usually a very low. Do not share information that could be used to access your financial records, or bank accounts. If you must send money, review the article on Romance Scams from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share personal information, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine with people you do not know or trust. If you are a single parent, limit the information that you share about your home life until you are comfortable and trust the person.

Stay on the Platform

Keep conversations on the Singles Meet App platform while you are getting to know someone. All communication on the Singles Meet App dating site is discreet, secure, and end-to-end encrypted. Occasionally, the person you are communicating with may ask for your telephone number, mobile number, email address, or physical address. Until you are comfortable chatting with the person over the video chat, sharing your personal details can add some unwanted risk. Keeping all conversations on the Singles Meet App platform allows you to communicate via text, voice, video, and photos, while remaining safe.

Be Wary of Long Distance and Overseas Relationships

Watch out for scammers who claim to be from your country, and ask for financial help to return home. Be wary of anyone who will not chat over the free video call, as the person may not be genuine. If someone is avoiding your questions, or pushing for a serious relationship without meeting, take some time to evaluate the relationship.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior

Singles Meet is an inclusive platform. And, our core values are rooted in love and acceptance of ourselves. If someone on the Singles Meet platform violates the Terms of Service, or is offensive towards you, or someone else, please block and report the person. Here are some examples of violations:

  1. Users under age 18
  2. Harassment, threats, or offensive language in messages
  3. Inappropriate or harmful behavior during, or after, meeting in person
  4. Fraudulent profiles, Spam, or solicitation
  5. Attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page.

Protect Your Account

Be sure to create a complex password that includes 2 lower case letters, 2 upper case letters, 2 numbers, and 2 special characters. Also, consider enabling 2 Factor Authentication within your profile settings. 2-Factor Authentication sends a one time six digit code to your mobile phone, which allows you to log in to Singles Meet. We will never send you an email asking for your username and password. If you receive an email asking for account information, please delete the email.

Meeting In Person

  1. Take your time, and get to know the other person before agreeing to meet, or chat outside of Singles Meet App. Do not be afraid to ask questions to screen for any red flags. By now, some of us are Zoomed out. However, a brief video call is essential to safety when getting to know someone. Please use the Singles Meet Video Chat confirm that the person in the pictures or photos matches the person in the video calls.
  2. Meet in Public, and Stay in Public
  3. Meet for the first few times in populated and public places. Do not meet at your home, their home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, it is a red flag that may indicate an intent that can lead to physical or personal harm.
  4. Communicate to close family, or friends, where you are going. Have your mobile phone charged, and with you, in the event of an emergency.
  5. Use your own transportation so that you can leave, or go home, at will. If you are driving your own car, have a backup plan, such as an, Uber or Lyft ride share, or a friend to pick you up.
  6. Know Your Limits. Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment and alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs, or to drink, more than you are comfortable with it may indicate an intent for personal or physical harm.
  7. Do not leave drinks, food, or personal items unattended. Know where your drink comes from. And, know where it is at all times. Only accept drinks poured, or served, directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that can be secretly added drinks, to facilitate sexual assault, are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.
  8. If you feel uncomfortable, leave! It is okay to end the date early if you are feeling uncomfortable. It is encouraged. If your instincts are telling you something is off, or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help.

    9. LGBTQ+ Travel

    Be careful while traveling. We recognize, and believe, in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We developed the Singles Meet platform to facilitate, foster, and embrace loving relationships of all kinds. As part a part of the process, we also need to remember that some people may think differently. And, that some people may have malicious thoughts, which can introduce a certain level of risk to you, or the LGBTQ+ community. Check out the surrounding laws, as you move around throughout the day to determine the places that are friendly, or supports your lifestyle.

    Sexual Health and Consent

    Protect Your Body. When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s, like HIV. But, be aware of STI's, like herpes or HPV, that can be passed on through skin to skin contact. The risk of contracting some STI's can be reduced through vaccination.

    Know Your Status

    Not all STI's show symptoms. Get informed about health, and prevent the spread of an STI by getting tested regularly.

    Communication

    Communication is everything! Before you get intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And, be aware that in some places, it is a crime to knowingly pass on an STI.

    Consent

    All sexual activity must start with consent. And, it should include ongoing communication with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable, unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent, due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.

    Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

    No method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault, and help is available. Report any incidents to Singles Meet, and consider reaching out to one of the resources below. If you feel you are in immediate danger, or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada), or your local law enforcement agency.

    • 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
    • 1-800-230-7526 | Planned Parenthood
    • 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 | National Human Trafficking Hotline
    • 1-877-739-3895 | National Sexual Violence Resource Center
    • 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) | National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
    • 1-844-878-2274 | Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
    • 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) | VictimConnect - Crime Victim Resource Center
    • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
    • LGBT National Help Center 1-888-843-4564
    • 1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) | Trans Lifeline

    If you are outside the US:

    • International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) - Europe
    • International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World