Staying safe on dating apps
Most people you meet online are who they say they are. These habits protect you from the few who aren't.
Spot the scams
- Money: never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met, whatever the story.
- Moving off the app fast: be wary of anyone who pushes to switch to WhatsApp or another app straight away.
- Photos and blackmail: don't send photos you wouldn't want shared. If someone threatens to share photos or tell your family, stop replying, don't pay, keep the messages, and report them.
- Too good to be true: perfect photos, instant devotion, and always a reason they can't video call.
Meeting for the first time
- Video call first, so you know they're real.
- Meet somewhere busy and public, and get there and home on your own.
- Tell a friend where you're going and who you're meeting. On Nipagesh you can set up a check-in so they're told if you don't check back in.
- Don't go to someone's home, or invite them to yours, until you trust them.
Protect your privacy
- Keep your photos blurred until you trust someone, and use discreet mode if you don't want to be seen browsing.
- Don't share your surname, workplace, address or photos of your home early on.
- Use a username that isn't your real name.
If something goes wrong
Block and report the person in the app; reports are reviewed within 24 hours. If you're in danger, call 999 in the UK, 911 in the USA, or 100 (police) or 101 (ambulance) in Israel. Our support page lists helplines.