First and foremost, never send money to someone you have not met in person. This is a fundamental rule when engaging in online relationships. Scammers often develop a façade of romance to manipulate victims into sending funds, which could lead to significant financial loss. Any request for money or financial assistance from someone you haven’t physically met should raise immediate red flags.

Be careful about the personal information you share online. Scammers can exploit details shared through social media and dating profiles to create tailored scams or establish trust. Limit the information you disclose and be mindful of overly personal data that could be used against you

When communicating with someone on a dating site, it is advisable to research their profile. Conduct reverse image searches to verify whether their profile pictures are genuine or stolen from other sources.

Establish face-to-face meetings in public places that you are familiar with. Always inform a friend or family member about your plans to meet someone new, ensuring they are aware of your whereabouts. This adds a layer of safety and can deter potential fraudulent behavior.

If you start to have doubts about a person’s legitimacy, it is wise to stop communicating with them immediately. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is. Consider discussing your concerns with friends or family who can offer objective perspectives.

By adhering to these strategies—such as avoiding money transfers, being cautious with personal information, conducting profile verification, arranging safe meetings, and trusting your intuition—you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud on dating sites.