Staying safe while dating online
Staying safe while dating online
Meeting people online is normal. Hundreds of millions of relationships have started this way. But like any space where people meet strangers, it pays to go in informed. Here's the practical guide — no fearmongering, just the facts.
Protect your personal information early
Until you've met someone in person and feel comfortable, keep these private:
- Your last name
- Your home address or neighbourhood
- Your workplace (approximate area is fine, exact office is not)
- Your phone number (use the in-app chat until you're sure)
Most people are honest. But you can't tell in the first few messages. Give it time before sharing anything that would help someone find you in the real world.
Video call before meeting
A 10-minute video call before your first meeting is the single most effective safety step. It confirms the person is who they say they are. Most genuine people will happily agree. If someone refuses multiple times, that's information.
Always meet in a public place first
For the first meeting, choose somewhere public with other people around — a café, a park, a busy restaurant. Let a friend know where you're going and roughly when you'll be back. Share your live location with someone you trust.
This isn't paranoia. It's just sensible.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off — the conversation moves too fast, requests seem unusual, the story doesn't quite add up — it's okay to step back. You don't owe anyone an explanation for ending a conversation.
Your gut instincts about people are calibrated from years of real-world social experience. They're not perfect, but they're worth listening to.
How to report on Swipe
If you encounter someone who makes you uncomfortable or is behaving inappropriately:
- Tap their profile
- Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top right
- Select "Report"
- Choose a reason and submit
Reports are reviewed by our team. We take action fast — typically within 24 hours for serious violations.
You can also block someone instantly. Blocking removes them from your matches and prevents them from seeing your profile.
Stay safe out there. Most people you meet are decent human beings looking for the same thing you are. Go in prepared, stay aware, and enjoy it.