New York Magazine

How about we...

Online Dating Safety Tips

Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. Please protect it. Here are some online dating safety tips to help you stay safe:

Personal Information

1. Don’t share your personal information (email, phone, SSN, place of work, or other identifying information) until you feel comfortable doing so. Be particularly wary if someone asks persistently for your personal info, and stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for this info or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it. Never post personal contact info in your profile.

2. Never give away financial information to people you meet online, including credit card or bank information. Never send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer.

Offline Encounters

3. If you decide to go on a date:

  • Always meet in public with other people around. (Please report any date proposals for dates in non-public places.)
  • Be sure a friend or family member knows when and where you are going.
  • Never agree to be picked up at your home.
  • Always provide your own transportation to and from your date. Never get into your date’s car.
  • Don’t drink too much.
  • Bring your phone.

Trust your Instincts

4. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or threatened, stop communicating with the person. You have no obligation to continue communicating. There is no substitute for caution.

Report suspicious behavior

Please immediately report any suspicious activity, behavior, or content. You can email theteam@howaboutwe.com or use the report buttons that you’ll find on other users’ profiles.

HowAboutWe is a safe, positive community. We very much appreciate your contributions to this.

Close