Your Online Dating Safety

Online dating has become very popular since it's inception on the Internet many years ago. It has brought together millions of people worldwide and it is probably responsible for millions of connections worldwide yearly. It's a convenient and easy way to meet new people. Unfortunately all the things that makes it convenient can also make it dangerous.

With so many people looking to make a connection online, Predators and Scammers are making a good living off of the people who do not protect themselves. The internet is full of horror stories about people who have fallen victim to these con artists. From emotional and financial exploitation to unimaginable physical abuse, the search for an ideal partner can become dangerous if you’re not cautious.

We have compiled information below that will protect you. Please read it carefully and stay within these guidelines. Always remember that your own safety comes first, no matter what.

Fraud Awareness:

NEVER ever send money to someone you meet online.
NEVER share your personal or financial information with anybody.
NEVER give out your credit card number or bank info.
NEVER share your personal info, such as your address, phone number, etc. until you established a reasonable level of trust with the other party.

Always send mail anonymously at first

Use singles2meet.co.za to send mail anonymously to the other person until you have established a reasonable level of trust with the other party. Reveal information about yourself gradually and appropriately. Keep in mind that you have no idea who you are chatting with at first. Our system reveals no private information about you and you can send email to other parties with our system completely anonymously.

Take some time to get to know the person online, before taking things offline

Get to know the other person online before meeting them offline. Always use singles2meet.co.za to send mail anonymously to the other person until you have established a reasonable level of trust with the other party before revealing any information to the other person.

Don't hesitate to walk away if something feels off

Block any member who behaves or treats you in an abusive way. Stop communicating immediately with anyone who pressures you for personal or financial information. You may also report this to us by contacting us and we will suspend the account of the other party if there are reasonable grounds to do so.

Respect your instincts

Trust your doubts about prospective matches who don't resemble their pictures, people with frightening personalities, and nagging suspicions that someone is being dishonest. Don't provide your full name, address and phone number until you have enough information about your prospective match to feel safe.

Safety Tips When Meeting Offline

Always meet in public. Meet for the first time in a populated, public location – never in a private or remote location. A good place to meet would be a busy coffee shop with many people around.
Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going. Always have your cellphone with you.
Stay sober. Do not do anything that would impair your judgment and cause you to make a decision you could regret.
Don’t leave personal items unattended as this will create a risk of them being stolen.
If you’re drinking or eating, keep your drink or food with you at all times so it can’t be tampered with.
Stay in a public place. It is best not to go back to your date’s home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.
Make sure your date is not following you home. If your date does, go straight to your nearest police station.

You can find a more comprehensive guide on safely meeting offline here.

Don’t hesitate to walk away if someone disrespects your boundaries

A trustworthy person will always respect your boundaries and your need to stay safe, both online and in person. If someone dismisses your concerns, pressures you, or makes you feel uncomfortable for protecting yourself simply walk away. They are not someone you should invest your time or energy in.