One in three tries to find happiness in love using dating sites. Numerous portals and dating apps are on the market and raise the hope of finally finding your dream partner.
Online dating should be a place of love where the focus is on the other person's personality, but scammers also operate there. They have no interest in the other person, they just want their victims' money or data.
Many online dating users don't know how to ensure safe dating and how to recognize potential attacks. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to get people's money and data.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez
The following 8 tips will help you reduce the risk of a scam and thus enable safe dating.
1. Choose reputable dating sites
Security in online dating starts with choosing the right online dating site. If the apps or online portals are free, there is usually a lack of financial resources to adequately protect people.
That's why it makes sense to invest money and trust the dating sites that carry out detailed verification of people. It is advisable to read the terms and conditions of online dating portals as they provide an insight into the security of the offers.
The dating site LemonSwan, for example, has a reputation for checking members' profiles particularly carefully before they are activated. Here you can find a detailed test of the singles exchange .
2. Take a close look at each other's profiles
A person writes to you and looks like a superstar, the photos show an absolutely perfect and extremely likeable person. He or she leaves little personal information to the surface and the sentences seem a little too overly romantic.
Even if you receive standard answers and there is no appropriate response to your query, you are most likely dealing with a fake profile.
3. Handle your profile carefully
When online dating, do not reveal too much of your private information, as any user can see it and misuse the data. If you publish your first name, place of residence and profession, it will be easy to find out who you are.
It is better to use a nickname and a secure password. You should avoid provocative pictures with too much bare skin, because it's better to arouse real and honest interest with a funny, original profile.
4. Pay attention to your communication
Do you feel flattered because the other person seems to want to know everything about you and thus signals great interest? Remain cautious, because the other person may be trying to give you a sense of familiarity and make you feel like there is a lot in common.
If the other person reveals very little about themselves, then your distrust is absolutely justified. Ask lots of questions and read carefully what answers follow. Do they fit the questions? Or are they more standard phrases? With your mindful communication you ensure safe dating on dating sites.
In the following video, the Federal Office for Information Security gives tips on safety first when online dating:
5. Do not transmit money or open files
Does your flirting partner want to surprise you with private photos and send them in a file? Do not open attachments, files, etc. and delete them as quickly as possible because it could be a virus or something similar.
Online dating sites are often used portals for cyberattacks. Protect your computer and smartphone by setting up-to-date antivirus programs. Transferring money is never a good idea.
Remember that your virtual acquaintance is a stranger and therefore be careful with your trust.
6. Use video calls to get to know your flirting partner better
Numerous providers make it possible to see your acquaintance before meeting in person. On the one hand, you can be sure that the person really exists and you can see whether you like each other. If the other person refuses a video call, your suspicion is appropriate.
7. Set the meeting point
It's time to meet in real life and you are already full of joy and very excited. However, proceed carefully and do not rush into anything. A neutral place, such as a restaurant, is ideal for the first date.
Under no circumstances should you invite the other person to your home. Even lonely places such as quiet parks or the forest should be taboo. Tell a friend about your date and mention the meeting place.
8. Listen to your gut feeling
Probably the most important tip for your safety when dating is: Pay attention to your intuition. If you don't feel comfortable writing or meeting for the first time, break off contact or the date.
If the other person displays intrusive or suggestive behavior, then it is high time to leave. If you notice that it's just not a good fit, don't continue the contact out of politeness, but rather end it.
Conclusion
Looking for and finding love is one of the most beautiful things in life. If you follow these tips, you will ensure safe dating and enjoy the joy of getting to know a potential partner.
So nothing stands in the way of finding the right person.
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