Staying safe on dating apps
Most people you meet online are who they say they are. These habits protect you from the few who aren't.
Spot the scams
- Money: never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met, whatever the story.
- Moving off the app fast: be wary of anyone who pushes to switch to WhatsApp or another app straight away.
- Photos and blackmail: don't send photos you wouldn't want shared. If someone threatens to share photos or tell your family, stop replying, don't pay, keep the messages, and report them.
- Too good to be true: perfect photos, instant devotion, and always a reason they can't video call.
Meeting for the first time
- Video call first, so you know they're real.
- Meet somewhere busy and public, and get there and home on your own.
- Tell a friend where you're going and who you're meeting. On Chalo Milo you can set up a check-in so they're told if you don't check back in.
- Don't go to someone's home, or invite them to yours, until you trust them.
Protect your privacy
- Keep your photos blurred until you trust someone, and use discreet mode if you don't want to be seen browsing.
- Don't share your surname, workplace, address or photos of your home early on.
- Use a username that isn't your real name.
If something goes wrong
Block and report the person in the app; reports are reviewed within 24 hours. If you're in danger, call 999 in the UK, 911 in the USA or 112 in India. Our support page lists helplines.