For example, most participants in the above study revealed their primary concern was about the authenticity of a potential partner. Be it old school dating or its modern counterpart, evaluating the genuineness of a person is always a complicated task. However, with the right precautions, daters can navigate the world of online dating safely and smoothly.

With the advent of dating apps, meeting new people has become easier than ever. A study by India’s most popular dating app, QuackQuack, revealed that more than 65% of women voted online dating as a safe option for finding love and relationships. However, regardless of the method of dating, safety always remains the main concern for daters of all ages and genders.

Here are some of the most effective tips shared by Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, to keep yourself safe while online dating:

Keep your personal information safe:

The golden rule of online dating is to protect your personal information and be cautious when sharing it, even with mail. Daters are told to never share their home address, workplace, financial details or other sensitive information on their dating profile or with a partner during the early stages of a relationship. The primary convenience offered by online dating is allowing people to take their time getting to know each other and pursue things at their own pace. Be wary of anyone who is overly curious about your personal life and forces you to disclose it. Personal safety comes before finding the right partner. Dating apps regularly remind daters that they should be unmatchable if anything seems even remotely suspicious. Match is not a commitment.

money Matters:

Financial discussions should not be held at all. One of the most common tricks employed by online scammers is to tell their match a heart-wrenching story about financial temptation, then ask for some money which they often promise to return. No matter how trustworthy they seem, or, in rare cases, even genuine, it is always advisable to never send money or even discuss it with someone you have only recently met. If a match asks for financial help or turns the conversation towards money, it is a red flag.

Identity Verification:

Another surefire way to date safely is to do a little research on your match’s background before getting comfortable with them. One of the easiest ways to do this is to search for your match’s name in Google. Let’s see what the result is. If they have no online presence, try to verify their identity through other means. While a lack of online presence doesn’t necessarily indicate anything suspicious, there’s no harm in being cautious. Reverse image search is also an excellent tool for identifying the authenticity of a match. Always set up a video call or virtual date before meeting in person. It may not seem like much, but this small step can help confirm if they are who they claim to be. If someone avoids every request for a voice or video call, it should be considered a red flag, and avoiding such people would be the right decision.

Meeting in public places:

34% of women from Tier 1 and 2 cities revealed that they prefer to meet their date at a public place, such as a famous restaurant or movie theater, especially for a first date. Dating apps always encourage users to share their itinerary for a first meeting with at least one or more trusted people. Live location sharing can add another layer of security.



Trust your gut with red flags:

The idea of ​​finding love can be so tempting that people often ignore their feelings, even if something feels bad. Pay close attention to your partner’s behavior and the stories they share. If you find any discrepancies, don’t hesitate to break the connection. It’s okay to lose some connections if it saves you from a potentially risky situation. Daters are also encouraged to keep an eye out for aggression or any other suspicious and persistent behavior. Requests for financial assistance, possessiveness, obsession, reluctance to give direct answers, excessive intrusiveness, and so on are all red flags. A real couple will prioritize your comfort and boundaries.