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Dating safety tips
Staying Safe While Dating Online
Finding the kind of love that lasts a lifetime online is not only possible, but likely. eHarmony works hard to deliver you the most compatible matches possible. We believe in empowering you to make the best choices by providing guidance and support to help you discover your best qualities and those of your potential partners throughout your search.
As with anyone you meet—online or offline—your sound judgment and instincts are necessary to protect yourself from deceitful individuals. Here are the essential 'rules-of-the-road' for safely navigating online relationships.
1. Use your judgment when finding love
eHarmony works hard to ensure matches are genuine, but ultimately it is your responsibility to assess someone you are communicating with. Your instincts are key, whether you’re emailing someone or on a date – you always have the right to stop communicating, or leave.
Look out for:
- Requests for money
- Vague answers to your questions
- Complicated stories
- Someone getting close, fast
- Anything which makes you feel uncomfortable
2. Be careful when sharing personal information with your match
You cannot take back any information you give out during online dating. Our Guided Communication process allows you to get comfortable with your match without revealing any personal information. If you decide to give out your email address, only do so when you are completely comfortable - the same applies for your phone number. You can use your phone’s privacy features when making a call to hide your number if you wish. Also try to agree with your match that if one of you ends communication you will not try to contact each other afterwards.
3. Do your own research
At eHarmony we rely on our singles to provide us with honest information – we don’t do background checks on our users. It is advisable for you to do your own research on your match – especially if you feel their claims are outlandish or inconsistent. For example, you could type their name or workplace into a search engine for more information. Most of all, use common sense when dating online.
4. Make your first internet date safe
Meeting your match for the first time will be very exciting - but don’t let this cloud your judgment.
Do:
- Meet in a public place, at a decent hour
- Make your own way there – it’s not a good idea to get into a strangers car
- Tell someone where and when you’re going, and if possible ‘check-in’ with them at some point
- Make sure your mobile is fully charged with any emergency numbers
Don’t:
- Drink too much – or simply don’t drink at all
- Leave your drink or personal belongings with your date
- Meet at your home or workplace
5. Don’t rush things
Online dating allows you to get to know your match well before meeting them, especially using eHarmony’s anonymous Guided Communication and Open Communication stages. It is important you feel comfortable before moving onto the next stage of your relationship with someone. eHarmony matches users on compatibility, but ultimately matches still need to get to know each other through real life experience before becoming serious.
6. Be considerate to your match
The rule of thumb is that you should treat your matches as you wish to be treated. It may take time to find love, and you will have to consider each match carefully before deciding whether they are the one for you. When ending communication be honest and polite, and do it as soon as you can.
7. Report any concerns
We take complaints against users very seriously, so do not hesitate to inform us of any match you think is being dishonest or behaving suspiciously.
Email us at: matchconcerns@eharmony.com
