Online dating is a great way to meet people, but it pays to know the risks. Here are the main ones, and simple ways to avoid them.
Protect your personal information
Be careful about sharing details such as your address, email, bank information or date of birth, whether on a profile or in a chat. Wait until you really know and trust someone. Watch out for phishing messages and spam, and do not click on links from people you do not know.
Fake profiles and romance scams
Some people create fake profiles with someone else's photos in order to take your money. Warning signs include declarations of love very early on, reasons why they cannot meet or video call, and requests for money for any reason. Never send money to someone you have not met. You can check a photo by searching for it online with a reverse image search tool such as Google Lens.
Subscriptions and automatic renewals
Many dating sites offer a free profile and a paid premium membership. Most paid memberships renew automatically unless you cancel in time, which is behind many complaints. Before you pay, read the terms, note the renewal date and see how to cancel. If you have difficulty, contact the site's customer support.
Reviews you can trust
Be aware that some online reviews are written or paid for by the companies themselves. Look at several sources and use your own judgement.
The simple rules
- Use a trusted app with moderation.
- Never send money or share financial details.
- Speak by phone or video before meeting.
- Meet in a public place and tell someone where you are.
For more on meeting safely, see our guide to staying safe on a first date.
