Some profiles are statistically more exposed to risks in online dating: harassment, scams, violence, outing, blackmail. Being “more at risk” does not mean being responsible for these dangers. The responsibility always lies with the person committing the abuse or the scam. The goal here is to give you concrete advice to protect yourself before, during and after a date, without giving up on dating.
Women
Women are more often targeted by certain problematic behaviors in online dating. These risks aren’t inevitable, but knowing them helps you protect yourself better.
Women more frequently face sexual pressure and insistence from the very first exchanges. Harassment, repeated messages after a refusal, unsolicited requests for intimate photos, and blackmail attempts are common behaviors. Some women are also victims of stalking, whether online or after a date. "Love bombing," that avalanche of attention and rapid declarations designed to create emotional control, is another frequent tactic. Romance scams, where someone fakes feelings to obtain money or information, also particularly target women. In the United States, 33% of women under 35 report having been sexually harassed online (source). This number shows the scale of the problem, especially among younger women.
Certain behaviors should alert you from the start of a conversation. An unusual acceleration, with declarations of love or couple plans expressed very quickly, is a strong signal. If the person tries to isolate you by asking you not to tell anyone, or tests your boundaries with inappropriate remarks to see how you react, be wary. Contradictions in their story, anger or aggression when you say no, repeated requests for intimate photos, or insistence on knowing your exact location are all warning signs. If the person systematically refuses video calls while asking you for personal details, or guilt-trips you to get what they want, it's time to cut it short.
Protect your personal information. Don't share your full last name, your address, or the places you go regularly before real trust has been established. For the first date, always choose a public, busy place, at a time when people are around. Tell someone close to you where you're going and the planned time, and send them the profile of the person you're meeting. Keep your own means of transportation so you can leave whenever you want. If you drink alcohol, do so carefully and never leave your drink unattended. Listen to your intuition. If something makes you uncomfortable, even without a clear reason, leave. Block and report the profile as soon as a line is crossed, whether in messages or in person.
Situation 1: "Send me an intimate photo" Response: "No, I don't share that." Then block immediately if the person insists. You don't have to justify yourself. Situation 2: "I want to come to your place tonight" Response: "I'd rather we meet at a coffee shop." If the person refuses or insists, cancel the date. Situation 3: "You're overreacting, you're paranoid" Response: "I'm keeping my boundaries, and if that doesn't work for you, we'll stop here." Restate your position without letting yourself be manipulated, then cut it short.
Young people
Young people are particularly exposed to the risks of online dating, often through lack of experience or because of social pressure. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself effectively.
Inexperience with dating and manipulation makes young people more vulnerable. The search for validation, the need to be liked, and the pressure to move fast in a relationship can lead to risky decisions. Sharing intimate images, often done without thinking about the consequences, exposes you to blackmail or nonconsensual sharing. Young people are also more susceptible to fake profiles and manipulation. Some people pretend to be someone else, create a fake identity, or take advantage of naivety to obtain money under the pretext of small favors, like phone credit, concert tickets, or money transfers.
Sexting, meaning sending intimate photos or videos, can quickly turn into sextortion: the person threatens to share the images if you don't do what they ask. Screenshots take an instant, and even disappearing messages can be recorded. The nonconsensual sharing of intimate content is a real danger. Identity theft and "catfishing," where someone pretends to be another person using fake photos, are also frequent. Some people push for a date "right now," without leaving you time to verify anything, to put you under pressure.
Never share intimate content where you're identifiable, even if the person seems trustworthy. Ask for a video call before meeting to check that the person matches their photos. Stay on the dating app's secure messaging rather than switching too quickly to personal channels. Choose daytime dates, in public, busy places. If something feels off, talk to someone close to you. Never send money to someone you don't know, even for a "small favor."
Situation 1: "Come on, just send one photo" Response: "I don't share that. If you keep pushing, I'm ending the conversation." Situation 2: "If you don't do what I ask, I'll share your photos" Response: "I'm keeping evidence of what you're saying and I'm reporting you immediately." Take screenshots, report the profile, and talk to a trusted adult or the police. Situation 3: "Why are you refusing? Don't you trust me?" Response: "I'm taking my time, that's normal. If that doesn't work for you, we'll stop here."
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ people face specific risks in online dating, particularly outing, hate, and fake profiles designed to trap them. Here’s how to protect yourself effectively.
Outing, meaning the forced disclosure of your sexual orientation or gender identity to the people around you, is a major risk. Some people use this threat as a means of blackmail. Harassment and hateful comments are also more frequent, whether online or on a date. Fetishization, where someone is interested in you solely because of your orientation or identity, is another form of abuse. Fake "trap" profiles, created to humiliate or expose you, exist. Discrimination and pressure to justify your private life are also realities you may face. The data confirms this heightened exposure: according to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 bisexual women (49.3%) and nearly 1 in 3 lesbians (29.4%) have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner, compared with 1 in 4 heterosexual women (23.6%) (source).
Be wary of intrusive questions about your private life, particularly about your family, your circle, or your workplace. If the person insists on getting photos or information that could easily identify you, that's a warning sign. Refusing video calls while asking for personal details is suspicious. Demeaning comments, "tests" to see how you react to inappropriate remarks, or the choice of an isolated place for a date should alert you.
Control what can identify you: avoid sharing too many recognizable photos, don't give your address or the places you usually go, and pay attention to the information visible on your social media. For the first date, choose a safe space, ideally an LGBTQ+-friendly venue or a public place where you feel comfortable. Tell someone close to you where you're going and the planned time. Keep evidence of your exchanges in case of blackmail, as it can be useful if you need to report the person. Block and report at the first hateful or threatening comment, without waiting.
Situation 1: "Tell me where you work, I want to know everything about you" Response: "I'm not sharing that information for now." You don't have to justify yourself. Situation 2: "I've always wanted to date someone like you" Response: "That message is unacceptable. I'm stopping here." Block if the person continues. Situation 3: Homophobic or transphobic comments Response: Don't reply, block immediately, and report the profile. Keep screenshots if necessary.
Single parents
Single parents need to think about double protection: their own and their children’s. Here are the specific risks and how to guard against them.
The mental load, isolation, and search for support can make single parents more vulnerable to "savior" profiles, those people who present themselves as the solution to all your problems. Money scams are frequent, often disguised as emergencies or requests for temporary help. Some people apply pressure to move quickly into intimacy, playing on the fact that you have little free time. The risks tied to exposing your children are also real: sharing too much information about them can attract people with bad intentions.
Don't share your children's first names, their schools, their schedules, or your family routines before real trust has been established. Your address must stay confidential. Also avoid talking about your financial situation or the details of a contentious separation, as this can be used against you.
Meet the person several times, over a long enough period, before involving your children. Categorically refuse any request for financial help, even if the story seems credible. Move at your own pace, without giving in to pressure. Arrange your dates in neutral places, unconnected to your daily life or your children's. Listen for signals of inconsistency: if the person's story changes, if they dodge certain questions, or if they contradict themselves, be careful.
Situation 1: "I have an urgent problem, can you lend me some money?" Response: "I don't help someone I don't know financially. I hope you find a solution elsewhere." Situation 2: "I'd love to meet your kids this weekend" Response: "I take my time with that, it's non-negotiable. We'll see each other several more times before considering that step." Situation 3: "You don't trust me? After everything we've shared?" Response: "Trust is built over time. I'm keeping my boundaries." Don't let yourself be guilt-tripped.
Seniors
Seniors are more heavily targeted by romance and financial scams. Here’s how to recognize these traps and protect yourself.
Isolation, sometimes after losing a spouse or a separation, makes seniors more receptive to emotional approaches. Trust given more easily, and unfamiliarity with certain digital codes, are exploited by scammers. Romance scams, where someone fakes feelings to obtain money, are particularly frequent. Requests for money under the pretext of an emergency, fake professionals posing as doctors or military personnel, and identity theft using fake photos are common techniques. The financial impact is massive: in 2024, Americans age 60 and older reported nearly $4.9 billion in fraud losses to the FBI, a 43% increase in one year, with romance scams among the costliest categories. And these numbers are likely underestimated, as older Americans are less likely to report fraud out of embarrassment or because they don't know how (source).
Be wary of a sad story accompanied by a request for help. If the person quickly mentions a financial problem, an illness, or a dramatic situation, that's a warning sign. Urgency is often a trap: "I have to settle this today, or I lose everything." If the person always finds excuses never to meet you in person, despite weeks or months of exchanges, it's suspicious. Inconsistencies in their story, changing versions, or contradictions are also signs. If the conversation quickly shifts to money, and the person guilt-trips you by saying you're not helping when they're counting on you, you're facing a scam.
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, even if the story seems credible. Verify the person's identity by asking for a video call, and check the consistency of their information. If they systematically refuse, it's a bad sign. Ask for the opinion of someone close to you, a friend, or a family member before making a financial decision or sharing sensitive information. Protect your passwords, never share them, and don't give access to any of your accounts. For dates, always choose a public place, preferably during the day. Tell someone close to you where you're going and the planned time.
Situation 1: "I'm stuck abroad, I need $500 to get home" Response: Stop immediately. Take a screenshot of the conversation. Ask someone close to you or your bank for advice. Report the profile on the app. Cut off contact. Situation 2: "My son is in the hospital, I have to pay the bills" Response: Same reflex. Don't send anything. Ask the person to video call you to verify. If they refuse, it's a scam. Report. Situation 3: "I thought I could count on you, you're disappointing me" Response: Guilt-tripping is a manipulation technique. Don't give in. Block and report. At Match, safety and privacy are built into your experience from the start:
- Location data used first and foremost to suggest relevant profiles, in line with the purposes you choose
- Settings that are easy to change and fully transparent
- Robust reporting and blocking systems
- Human moderation and anti-harassment prevention tools
- Strict data protection standards and a privacy-by-design approach
Recap: universal reflexes for every profile
Whatever your profile, certain reflexes are essential to protect you before, during and after a date.
Before the date
Protect your personal information (full name, address, usual places). Verify the person’s identity with a video call. Choose a public place to meet. Tell someone close to you where you’re going and the planned time. Stay on the app’s messaging until trust is established. Never share identifiable intimate content.
During the date
Have your own means of transportation so you can leave whenever you want. Never leave your drink unattended. Listen to your intuition: if something makes you uncomfortable, leave. Notice the other person’s signals of discomfort and respect them. Don’t give in to any pressure, whether physical, verbal, or emotional.
After the date
Don’t share photos or information on social media without consent. Block immediately if the person crosses a line. Report any problematic behavior on the app. Never send money, even for a claimed emergency. Keep evidence of the exchanges if you sense danger.
Emergency Resources
Websites that can help
- FightCybercrime.org : for guidance and to be directed to the right services
- IC3 (FBI) : to file an online complaint for internet scams and fraud
- FBI Tips : to report illegal online content or behavior
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov : to report credit card fraud and scams to the FTC (after contacting your bank)
- StaySafeOnline : for cybersecurity guidance and prevention
Numbers to know
- 7726 (SPAM) : forward unwanted spam texts to this number
- 800-799-7233 - National Domestic Violence Hotline : for information and advice, 24/7 (or text START to 88788)
- 844-878-2274 - CCRI Image Abuse Helpline : for help with revenge porn, sextortion, deepfakes and image-based abuse, 24/7
In immediate danger: call 911.
Glossary
- Love bombing: an avalanche of attention and rapid declarations designed to create emotional control.
- Catfish: a person who uses a fake identity online, often with fake photos.
- Sextortion: blackmail using intimate content, with threats to share it.
- Outing: the forced disclosure of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent.
- Stalking: obsessive surveillance and repeated harassment, online or in person.
In the United States, nearly 1 in 4 children (23%) lives with a single parent, the highest rate in the world (source). This shows you’re not alone in your situation, and that resources exist to support you. Online dating safety advice adapts to each profile, but the principle stays the same: you have the right to protect yourself without giving up on meeting someone.
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