We’re not talking about your virtue. With Valentine’s Day having recently come around again the desire for romance may be running high, but if you’re searching for amour online, you need to take precautions.
A survey by mobile, TV and internet specialists broadbandchoices.co.uk found that one in 10 people who ‘meet’ someone through online dating services give them personal details – like their phone number or address – immediately after they’ve first got in touch. Those surveyed who’d done this said their reason for doing so was that they wanted to be able to talk to their potential paramour on a more personal level, rather than formally through a dating app or website.
Women are more cautious than Men
Women are more cautious about doing this, with just 5% of those polled willing to give out personal details from the get go, while men are more cavalier – 15% are prepared to take things offline, as it were, with someone they’ve only just started talking to. Perhaps most surprisingly – or not, given they’re less likely to know their onions when it comes to the internet – those aged over 55 are the biggest risk-takers, with 25% saying they’d give out sensitive information from the off.
broadbandchoices’ telecoms expert Dominic Baliszewski said: “People who use dating sites often have their guard down as they seek to make a connection with someone, but this open-mindedness can also leave people vulnerable to fraudsters if they are not careful.”
Online dating
Online dating has long since lost the stigma it once had and people of all ages and from all walks of life can now be found proudly regaling the office/bingo hall/wherever with tales of dating shenanigans that started on Tinder or match.com. However, the fact remains that, as with any other internet-related activity, it’s wise to be as sure as you can that everything’s in order before doing anything that could you leave you up questionable water-quality creek without a paddle. So, with that in mind, here are broadbandchoices’ top tips for safe online dating:
1. Keep your personals private
We are, of course, referring to any information that can be used to identify you – your phone number, address, date of birth or where you work can be used to find out more about you and even steal your identity. No one needs to know that stuff to be able to get to know you better, so don’t put it on your profile, and don’t give to anyone who asks for it.
2. Play it cool
Obviously, if there’s a spark between you and someone you’ve got the hots for, it’s hella exciting, but until you’ve met that person for real, or at least until you’re sure everything adds up, err on the side of caution. That means no sexting or suchlike, no matter how frisky you’re feeling or how insistent the other person is. Explicit photos and videos have been used to blackmail people, or simply posted online out of malice, so it’s not worth the risk.
3. Do your homework
If you’ve met someone through online dating, it’s only natural to want to find out more about them, so there’s no harm at all in looking them up on Facebook, Twitter and so on. As a bonus, this will tell you if they are who they say they are. If you have any suspicions, search Google for their profile photo by right-clicking on it – that way you can check it’s not an image being used to catfish – lure people into relationships using a fictional identity – on a bunch of different sites. Keep an eye on any contact details you’re given too – for example, if your online suitor says they live in the UK, but gives you an overseas phone number or email address, all may not be as it seems.
4. Read the signs
By which we mean the warning signs, natch. Even if you’ve been talking to someone for ages, there are certain things that should make you think ‘hmmm’. For example, a declaration of undying love from someone you’ve never met might be flattering, but it’s also worrying – whether genuine or not. Sudden sob stories, such as a sick relative or financial misfortune, that desperately require you to send money, should have you running for the online hills.
5. Protect your neck
Not literally, unless things have gone drastically wrong, but if you’ve got to know someone well enough online that you feel comfortable enough to meet them for real, take a few precautions to keep yourself safe. Let someone know where you’re going, who you’ll be with and what time you’ll be done. Meet in a public place and don’t leave drinks or your belonging unattended. And don’t be pushed into meeting at the other person’s home or anywhere else private – after all, if they genuinely like you, they’ll be happy to meet you wherever rather than creep you out.
6. Report problems
If you have any problems with someone you’ve met through online dating – if they start being aggressive, inappropriate or asking for money, for example – cease all contact and report them to the dating app or website you’re using. And if you think you may be the victim of fraud or attempted fraud, get in touch with Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Kelvin Goodson is a guest blogger and senior writer for broadbandchoices
