Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love for some and a time to look for that special someone for others. Americans are increasingly looking for love online and according to Nielsen data, 1 in 10 adults now average more than an hour every day on a dating site or app. This makes Valentine’s Day the perfect opportunity to use AlertID, the nationwide free safety alert and virtual neighborhood watch app, to share useful tips about online dating that will help keep people safe when looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right.
AlertID, a neighborhood safety network, encourages people to be proactive about safety. “Valentine’s Day is often a time for the first date. Taking a few extra steps to make your first date safer will give you peace of mind,” said AlertID Founder, Keli Wilson.
Please take a moment to review these important tips before going online:
Protect Yourself
Use a disposable email account for contact purposes. Don’t give out your home phone number or address.
Personal information
Keep personal information personal. It’s ok to list the city you live in but not the street you live on.
Don’t be fooled
Although it seems like an obvious rule, genuine daters who are looking for romance and companionship are not likely to ask someone they have just met for money.
Meeting in person
Meet your new match in a public setting for the first time. Try to make your first meeting during the day, and never agree to meet your date at his or her home. Also, stay safe by providing a friend with as much information as possible regarding the person you’re meeting and your plans.
Trust your gut
If you have a suspicious feeling about someone, follow your instincts. Stop all communications with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If you’re uncomfortable on a date, cut the date short and call a friend to let them know the date is over. Additionally, you can block the person’s telephone number if you want to terminate the relationship.