Online dating is the easiest way to meet new people. Instead of playing the guessing game in real life—wondering if someone’s single, looking for the same things, or even interested—you can cut straight to the chase.
But that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. Staying safe on dating apps is a must, no matter who you are. Here’s how to keep your privacy (and safety) intact while still making real connections.
1. Know the Five Commandments of Online Dating
There are five must-follow commandments with online dating:
#1. Always meet in a public place for the first date. Never meet at home– yours or theirs, whether it’s a hookup vibe or not– it’s simply not safe. Don’t let your date pick you up, and don’t offer to drive them.
#2. Never leave your drink unattended. This isn’t a female-only thing. Sometimes, your date isn’t even the threat; it could be anyone nearby. Keep tabs on your beverages!
#3. Never send money to anyone you haven’t met in person. A common-to-fall-for online dating scam is singles asking their match to purchase a pre-paid phone service card. No idea why, but it’s a thing nowadays. Until you’ve shared a face-to-face meeting with this person, do not give in to any storylines or money grabs. Even after you meet up, keep your wits about you.
#4. Always share your location with a friend before meeting up. If anything goes awry, they’ll know exactly where you are. Also, never tell your date that you’re alone in the city. They don’t need to know this info at the first meeting.
#5. Try to video chat before meeting up. Swapping pics is fine and good, but it’s not enough to confirm they’re not a catfish. Plus, seeing each other virtually before the date will make finding each other in public much easier!
2. Choose an App That Prioritizes Privacy
Not all dating apps are created equal. Look for ones with built-in safety features like encrypted messaging, two-factor authentication (2FA), and profile verification. You need to have assurance that the person is who they are in the photos and not some scammer in the West Indies. Apps that require photo verification mitigate this problem.
If someone pushes to move to texting or WhatsApp immediately, that’s a red flag. Dating apps have built-in messaging for a reason—use it until you’re comfortable.
Psst– on InTimid, calling and video chatting are built-in, so you don’t need to swap personal details until you’re comfortable and ready!
3. Keep Your Personal Info Personal
The less you share upfront, the better. Avoid putting these details in your profile or early convos:
- Full name
- Workplace or daily routine, e.g.: gyms, yoga studios, coworking spaces, etc.
- Phone number
- Social media links
People don’t need your life story before earning a coffee date. Scammers love oversharers. Stick to discussing your interests and personality instead of dropping breadcrumbs that lead straight to your real-life identity.
4. Spot the Red Flags Early
There are a few alarm bells that you need to take into account when online dating. Not all of these are glaring red flags, but they’re signs to watch out for:
- They ask for money (🚨scam alert!)
- They refuse to video chat every time
- Their profile is almost empty or has only one or two pics
- They overpromise before you even meet
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Block, report, and move on.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe, and Make Meaningful Connections
Online dating should be exciting, not risky. By following these privacy tips: meeting in public, safeguarding your info, and choosing an app that prioritizes security, you can enjoy the experience without unnecessary stress. The key is to stay aware, trust your instincts, and never compromise your safety.
And if you’re looking for a platform that puts privacy first while helping you make real connections, InTimid has your back. We’re not a dating app—we’re an AI matchmaking experience designed with your safety, comfort, and emotions in mind. Match with compatible, verified singles who want what you want.
Swipe smart, date safely, and let the right connections find you at InTimid!
