How to stay safe when using online dating sites
With thousands of people searching for love on the web - your chances of finding romance are now higher than ever.
Online dating can be great fun, and with any luck will lead to a fulfilling long-term relationships but as with any social site, there are always people to be wary of - and avoid.
Take a look at our 5 online dating dos and don'ts to make sure you stay safe.
1. Don't reveal contact details in your profile
It goes without saying, but you should never publish contact details on your profile.
Be cautious about what you type and where you type it – and keep details to a minimum.
On Mirror Matches we keep all private details such as your full name, phone number, address or personal email private, even when you're IM'ing, so you don’t have to worry about other members contacting you from outside the site, or on social media.
2. Do pick an obvious place to meet
Pick somewhere public for your first date and avoid travelling long distances
Your first date should always be in a public place, like a café or restaurant.
Avoid travelling long distances and make sure you arrange to meet somewhere that you feel safe and comfortable – in other words don’t let your date pick you up and don’t specify your travel arrangements.
It's also a good idea to let a friend or family member know your plans and whereabouts.
3. Don't get too personal
When messaging members, be cautious about handing out mobile numbers or email address as once you've passed it on, there's no going back.
On Mirror Matches users can 'wink' a match to express interest, premium users can also message and IM 24/7, so there's no need to hand out any contact details until you're completely ready.
Our members can also filter through messages they want to receive, and report any inappropriate behaviour at the click of a button.
4. Do be wary of red flags
Trust your instincts and report anyone suspicious
There are a few red flags to bear in mind when searching for romance on the web.
Avoid:
People who ask for personal communication details straight away
Anyone who asks you for money or your address under the guise of sending you gifts
People who send you links to third-party sites
Picture-less profiles
If you notice any of these, block and report the person immediately.
Mirror Matches users can contact our customer care team 24/7 via phone and email - so if you're worried about something - we're here to help.
5. Do use a site you trust
Most official sites will have safety procedures in place to block suspicious profiles and verify new members.
Assess what information the site wants from you and make a judgment – you should also be able to read the site's privacy policy in case you are unsure about anything.
Mirror Matches profiles are verified within 24 hours – so you can be sure the profiles you see are genuine.
We also work closely with national anti-fraud and user-safety organisations, and have a team of specialists that work hard to ensure all members are genuine, reviewing every profile and photograph and removing any inappropriate content.
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