Online Dating Safety Essentials: Profile Verification & Red Flags

Quick Answer

Video chat before meeting in person. Never send money to someone you haven't met. Meet in public places. Trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is.

Red Flags in Online Dating

Refuses video chat - Always has excuses (broken camera, shy, etc.)
Moves too fast - "I love you" within days, talks about future immediately
Asks for money - Emergency, travel expenses, medical bills
Too good to be true - Model looks, perfect job, says exactly what you want to hear
Can't meet in person - Always traveling, military overseas, working abroad
Poor grammar - Inconsistent with claimed background
Vague about details - Dodges specific questions about life/work
Pressures for private communication - Wants to move off dating app immediately
Sob stories - Constant crises and emergencies

Profile Verification Steps

Reverse Image Search

Save their profile photo and search it on Google Images or TinEye. If it appears on multiple profiles or stock photo sites, it's fake.

Video Chat Early

Request video chat within first few conversations. If they refuse or make excuses repeatedly, move on.

Research Their Name

Google their name + location. Check LinkedIn, Facebook. Do details match what they told you?

Ask Specific Questions

Ask about their job, neighborhood, hobbies. Scammers give vague answers or contradict themselves.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Don't ignore red flags because you're lonely or hopeful.

Safe First Meeting Guidelines

Before Meeting:

Video chat first - Confirm they're who they claim to be
Tell a friend - Share who you're meeting, where, and when
Research the person - Use name lookup tools
Choose public place - Coffee shop, restaurant, park
Plan your own transportation - Don't let them pick you up

During Meeting:

Meet in public - Never go to their home or invite them to yours
Stay sober - Keep your wits about you
Watch your drink - Never leave it unattended
Trust your gut - If you feel uncomfortable, leave
Have exit plan - Know how you'll leave if needed

After Meeting:

Check in with friend - Let them know you're safe
Don't feel obligated - You can end things if it doesn't feel right
Take it slow - Don't rush into intimacy or sharing personal details

Romance Scam Warning Signs

NEVER Send Money

If someone you've never met in person asks for money, it's a scam. No exceptions.

Common Scam Scenarios:

"I need money to visit you" - Plane tickets, visa fees, travel expenses
"Medical emergency" - Hospital bills, surgery costs
"Investment opportunity" - Crypto, forex, business venture
"Stuck in foreign country" - Lost wallet, need money to get home
"Help with business deal" - Need you to receive/forward money

Reality: These are all scams. Real romantic interests don't ask for money.

Protecting Your Privacy

Don't share too much too soon - Full name, address, workplace
Use dating app messaging - Don't give personal phone/email immediately
Google Voice number - Use temporary number for calls/texts
Separate email - Create email just for dating apps
Limit social media - Make profiles private or create separate dating account
No financial info - Never share bank details, SSN, etc.

Online Dating Safety Essentials