Keep personal details personal
Use a unique password for your dating account. Avoid sharing your address, financial information, identification documents or your daily routine with a new contact. Think about what photographs reveal in the background.
Do not send money to a new online contact
Requests for emergency payments, gift cards, cryptocurrency or investment deposits are reasons to stop and reassess. Do not share login codes or allow another person to control your device. Read the FTC's guidance on romance scams.
Arrange a manageable first meeting
Choose a public venue, tell someone you trust about the plan and arrange your own transport. Keep your phone charged. You can leave a date at any point. Our first-date guide includes a practical planning table.
Respect and discuss boundaries
Shared health experiences do not imply consent, compatibility or trustworthiness. Discuss sexual health and expectations before intimacy. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about testing, prevention or treatment questions.
If something feels wrong
You can stop a conversation or leave a meeting. Talk to someone you trust if you feel pressured or uncomfortable. If you face immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.