Dating Safety Tips

🛡️ Profile and Account Security

Creating a Safe Profile

• Use recent, authentic photos of yourself only
• Avoid including personal information like your full name, address, or workplace in your bio
• Don't display expensive items or reveal your financial status
• Keep location information general (city/area, not specific addresses)
• Use MatchMine's verification features when available

Account Protection

• Use a strong, unique password for your MatchMine account
• Enable two-factor authentication if available
• Log out from shared or public devices
• Regularly review your privacy settings
• Report and block suspicious profiles immediately

💬 Communication Safety

Initial Conversations

• Keep conversations on the MatchMine platform initially
• Don't share personal contact information too quickly
• Be cautious of people who immediately want to move to other platforms
• Trust your instincts if something feels off
• Take time to get to know someone before meeting

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for money, gifts, or financial assistance
• Professions of love very early in the conversation
• Reluctance to video chat or talk on the phone
• Stories that don't add up or constantly changing details
• Pressure to meet immediately or in private locations
• Requests for intimate photos or personal documents

🤝 Meeting in Person

Before the First Date

• Video chat or talk on the phone before meeting
• Verify their identity through multiple photos or social media
• Tell a trusted friend or family member about your plans
• Share your date's profile and contact information with someone
• Plan to meet in a public, well-lit location

First Date Safety

• Meet in a busy public place like a café, restaurant, or park
• Arrange your own transportation - don't let them pick you up
• Keep your phone charged and share your location with a friend
• Stay sober and don't leave drinks unattended
• Have an exit strategy and trust your instincts
• Let someone know when you arrive and when you leave

What NOT to Do on First Dates

• Don't go to their home or invite them to yours
• Don't get into their car or isolated locations
• Don't share your home address or workplace location
• Don't leave with them if you feel uncomfortable
• Don't ignore red flags because you want the date to work out

🔒 Personal Information Protection

Information to Keep Private

• Full name, home address, and workplace details
• Phone number until you're comfortable
• Social security number, financial information
• Daily routines and schedules
• Travel plans and when you'll be away
• Family members' information

Social Media Safety

• Review your social media privacy settings
• Don't connect on social media too early
• Be cautious about what you post publicly
• Don't tag your location in real-time
• Consider what your photos reveal about your lifestyle

🚨 Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

Common Dating Scams

• Romance Scams: Building emotional connection to request money
• Catfishing: Using fake photos and identity
• Military Scams: Claiming to be deployed overseas
• Emergency Scams: Sudden urgent need for money
• Travel Scams: Needing money to visit you

How to Verify Someone's Identity

• Reverse image search their photos
• Video chat at random times
• Ask for photos in specific poses or locations
• Check if their social media profiles seem authentic
• Look for consistency in their stories and details

📱 Digital Safety and Privacy

Device Security

• Keep your dating apps updated
• Use secure Wi-Fi networks
• Don't save passwords on shared devices
• Log out of dating apps when not in use
• Be cautious of clicking links sent by matches

Photo and Content Safety

• Don't send intimate or compromising photos
• Be aware that screenshots can be taken
• Remove metadata from photos before sharing
• Don't share photos that reveal your location
• Report anyone who requests inappropriate content

🆘 Getting Help and Reporting

When to Report Someone

• Inappropriate or harassing messages
• Requests for money or financial information
• Suspicious or fake profiles
• Threatening or abusive behavior
• Sharing of inappropriate content
• Any behavior that makes you uncomfortable

How to Report on MatchMine

• Use the report button on profiles or messages
• Email our safety team at care@matchmine.fun
• Include screenshots and detailed information
• Block the user to prevent further contact
• We investigate all reports promptly and confidentially

💡 Additional Safety Resources

Trust Your Instincts

Your intuition is your best safety tool. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling. It's better to be cautious and potentially miss out on one connection than to put yourself at risk.

Stay Informed

• Keep up with current scam trends and tactics
• Read safety updates from MatchMine
• Share safety tips with friends who are also dating online
• Learn from others' experiences in online communities

Remember

• Dating should be fun and exciting, not stressful or scary
• Take your time - there's no rush to meet or share personal information
• Quality connections are worth waiting for
• Your safety is more important than being polite to someone who makes you uncomfortable
• MatchMine is here to support you - don't hesitate to reach out

Need Help?

Our safety team is here to help 24/7