While online dating is a fun and convenient way of meeting new people, it's worth remembering that not everyone is going to have good intentions. We have provided you with a few tips to help you feel safe when online dating.

• Take your time, trust your instincts - It can be tempting to leap into a conversation and tell a match all about yourself. However, it's best to be discreet, at least in the beginning. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to cease contact if something doesn't feel right. Building trust takes time so don't rush into anything, especially if you're not 100% comfortable. If someone sounds too good to be true, it's best to take a level-headed approach and question whether this person is who they say they are.
  
  
• Use our messaging/chat feature - We know it's sometimes more convenient to exchange contact details to arrange dates, or even just to chat outside of the app. However, our app has a reporting feature that you can use when a member is behaving suspiciously. A genuine match will understand your hesitation and will not try to force you off our platform. If they start getting defensive, or try to guilt-trip you, consider this a red flag.
  
  
• Avoid sharing too much personal information - A full profile makes a more interesting read, but be cautious about how much information you share about yourself. Avoid sharing personal information that makes you easily identifiable, such as your full name, address, contact details (for example, email, phone number, social media handles) and where you work.
  
  
• Never send or accept money - It may start small (phone credit, for example) but it will inevitably escalate to larger sums (flight tickets, health treatments, a big business opportunity...). They might even try to claim that you'll get bigger returns on an investment. Whatever the scenario, anything related to money should raise the alarm bells! If you receive such a request, please report it to us immediately by flagging their profile. You can find instructions here: How do I report/block a member?
  
  
• Meet in public and tell a friend - If you meet someone for a date, always make sure it's a public place. Make sure you know how to get home and that there is a cab or public transport readily available. If you do go for a drink, stay sober and don't leave your drink unattended. Enlist a friend to "check in" and make sure they know where you are and who you are with.