When creating your online profile avoid using the same photo(s) that you have on your social media accounts. It is easy to do a reverse image search with Google, and if the photo in your dating profile also shows up on Facebook and/or Instagram then it will be easy for someone to find you on social media.
In addition, do not use photos that can give away the location where you live or work. This information can be used in social engineering schemes, for example, someone can say to you that they work near your office, and although this is untrue, that person might say that to you to gain your trust.
Be cautious when connecting or interacting with someone who has posted little information on their profile and has only one photo. This may be a fake profile.
Trust your instincts about whether or not you feel someone is genuine or not.
If you know the name of your date (or potential date) then look them up on social media, by doing so you can ensure they aren't using a fake social media account when creating their dating profile.
You are able to block and report a user if you believe their profile is suspicious or if they have acted inappropriately toward you.
Inappropriate photos, messages, or if someone is harassing you or attempting to extort money from you, are some of the reasons you may want to report and block someone.
Examples of behaviour you may want to report are:
Don't give your personal information such as your last name, social security number, credit card details, bank information, work or home address, and date of birth, to someone you have not met in person.
This information can be used by hackers to guess your passwords or to send you phishing emails. Instead, use your nickname or first name.
FindingYou will never send you an email asking for your username and password information, so if you receive a request for your login information, delete it and consider reporting it.
Before you meet your online date in real life, tell a family member or a friend who you are meeting, where you are going for the date, and the time you plan to be back home. Try to meet in a public place and arrange for your own transport, this will give you the freedom and control to leave when you want.
You can also ask a friend to call you during the date to check that you are okay.
Never respond to any requests to send money (especially overseas). If you get such a request, report it to FindingYou.
Keep your personal social media accounts and your dating profile separate. It is likely that you have more personal information on your social media accounts which can be used by scammers.
Try to keep your conversations on the FindingYou platform when chatting with a potential date or someone you have just met. Scammers often will suggest moving to message platforms (e.g. WhatsApp) where their behaviour is less monitored. And, if things don't work out with your date you won't have to worry about them having your phone number.
If you decide to have a few drinks during your date try to keep your limits in mind and do not feel pressured to drink. It is also advisable to not take drugs before or during a first date as these could alter your perception of reality or even interact negatively with alcohol. Try to stay alert during your date.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable in a situation, you can enlist the help of a waiter to help you create a distraction, call the police, or get a safe ride home.
Trust your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable feel free to leave a date and even cut off communication with that person. Prioritise your safety and don't worry about coming across as rude. If you felt unsafe during the date then you should block or report that person.
Below are some potential red flags that you should look out for when using a dating app: