How to protect yourself on dating sites

Finding a partner or friend online has become so commonplace that it is now the most popular way to meet new people. However, it’s important to remember the need to protect your information on dating sites, as a broken heart or harassment from a crazy user are not the only negative consequences of online dating. Today, dating services can cost you not only a girlfriend/boyfriend but also money. Even worse, they can compromise your confidential data, leading to even more unfortunate outcomes. Here’s how to prevent that.

First and foremost, consider creating an anonymous account on a dating app that cannot be linked to your identity. You can do this using a virtual number. On the SMS activator website SMSBOWER, you’ll find reliable, affordable, and 100% anonymous numbers for registering on Tinder, Badoo, Plenty of Fish (POF), and other dating platforms. Your personal life should be safe!

How to Protect Yourself When Dating Online?

Protecting your information on dating sites starts with understanding potential threats. Dating services for finding new partners and friends can pose several types of risks:

• Dating fraud;
• Fake apps and dating sites;
• Fake profiles;
• Unwanted communication;
• Stalking;
• Addiction to online dating.

Dating Fraud

Dating fraud occurs when one party believes they’ve found a partner, but the other party turns out to be a scammer. The scammer manipulates and gains trust to obtain money or personal data. Read more about types of fraud on dating sites in this article.

Fake Apps and Dating Sites

Many dating sites and apps are fake. Users often land on them through ads or search results. These sites appear legitimate, but most profiles and customer support are fake, and interactions are paid.

Fake Profiles

It’s estimated that one in ten profiles on dating sites is fake. The motives vary: selling goods, catfishing, or scamming for money. Protecting your information on dating sites is especially crucial when dealing with such "users."

Unwanted Communication and Stalking

Statistics show that many women have experienced harassment on dating sites. 57% of women aged 18 to 34 have received unwanted sexual messages, and 19% have received threats of physical harm.

Additionally, about 37% of users on dating sites receive messages after refusing to communicate. Some ignore the rejection, which can lead to stalking in real life, including finding out where the person lives or works.

Addiction

Online dating can become addictive. It’s recommended to take breaks to avoid stress and maintain the enjoyment of communication.

Protecting Your Information During Online Dating: What to Watch Out For

When using dating apps, it’s important to pay attention to the following signs of potential fraud:

• Requests for financial help;
• Claims to live in your country but cannot meet;
• Stories about recent widowhood and children;
• Disappears from the site and reappears under a different name;
• Gives vague answers to questions;
• Overly complimentary and quickly expresses romantic feelings;
• Wants to switch to another app for communication;
• Attempts to learn your home or work address, compromising your information security;
• Shares contradictory information or melodramatic stories;
• Uses incoherent language or poor grammar.

These signs may indicate fraud. Be cautious and don’t hesitate to report suspicious behavior, such as requests for financial help, explicit photos, aggressive messages, threats, fake profiles, or attempts to sell goods or services.

How to Protect Yourself While Online Dating: Recommendations

To avoid falling victim to scammers and other ill-intentioned individuals, use dating services cautiously, following certain rules and recommendations. Here’s how you can protect yourself during online dating:

• Use unique photos. Avoid posting pictures from social media to prevent scammers from gathering information;
• Keep personal data private. Share minimal personal information and use a pseudonym;
• Don’t link profiles. Avoid connecting your dating profile to social media accounts;
• Communicate within the app. Keep conversations within the app for added security;
• Limit location sharing. Don’t disclose your exact location; expand the search area;
• Choose reliable sites. Read reviews and select trusted apps. Delete your profile after use;
• Don’t hesitate to report. Report inappropriate behavior and block suspicious users. Protecting your information on dating services should always be a priority;
• Be cautious with suspicious profiles. Verify information and be wary of profiles with minimal data;
• Have a video chat before meeting. This helps confirm the authenticity of the person;
• Inform someone about your date. Tell someone where and with whom you’re meeting, and arrange a "safety call";
• Meet in public places. Hold first dates in public venues and arrange your own transportation;
• Act according to your comfort. Be attentive, don’t leave your drink unattended, and don’t drink if you don’t want to;
• Trust your instincts. Leave a date if you feel uncomfortable, and block people who make you uneasy;
• Protect your devices. Use antivirus software to guard against malicious links and data leaks.

The Most Reliable Way to Date Online

Using dating services anonymously is the best way to protect your information on dating sites. Use secure accounts created with virtual numbers from SMSBOWER, and no one will ever be able to compromise your privacy. Our SMS activator guarantees you:

• Complete anonymity for created profiles;
• Guaranteed receipt of SMS for account verification;
• Low prices for all numbers;
• The ability to choose an operator’s country from over 150 options;
• Convenient payment methods.

Here’s a detailed guide on using an SMS activator to create an anonymous account on a dating service, using Tinder as an example.