Meeting new people online can be enjoyable and rewarding, but it is important to take your time and protect your personal information. This guidance is here to help you recognise common warning signs, make safer choices and know when to report a concern.
If something feels wrong, pause the conversation and trust your instincts. You never owe anyone an immediate reply, personal information, money or a meeting.
A simple rule: pause at a red flag
A red flag does not always prove that someone is dishonest, but it is a reason to slow down, ask questions and avoid taking risks until you are comfortable.
Never feel pressured to continue a conversation, move off the site, share details, send money or meet in person.
Keep your personal information private
Until you know and trust someone, avoid sharing information that could identify, locate or financially expose you.
Your home address, workplace or regular routine
Your personal phone number or private email address
Bank details, card details, passwords or verification codes
Copies of identification, passports or driving licences
Details that could help someone access your social-media or financial accounts
Take your time before moving a conversation away from dreamdateuk. Keeping early chats on the site gives you more control and makes it easier to report anything concerning.
Be alert to fake or misleading profiles
Profile photographs, names, locations and personal details can be misleading online. A profile with very little information, inconsistent details or an image that appears unusually polished may deserve extra caution.
If you are getting to know someone, a video chat can be a useful way to confirm that the person matches their profile. It is still sensible to take things slowly and never assume that a video call alone proves everything about a person.
You may also choose to use a reverse-image search to see whether a photograph appears elsewhere online. Treat any result as one piece of information, rather than definite proof.
Money requests are a serious warning sign
Never send money, gift cards, vouchers, cryptocurrency or financial details to someone you have met online.
Scammers may claim to have an emergency, be stranded abroad, need help with travel, have a frozen bank account or promise to repay you quickly. They may also ask for a small amount first and then make further requests.
Whatever the story, do not send payment. Stop the conversation and report the profile to us immediately.
Watch for pressure and rushed romance
Be careful if someone becomes intensely affectionate very quickly, repeatedly calls you their soulmate after only a few messages, or makes you feel guilty for setting boundaries. This can be a tactic used to build trust before making requests.
Other warning signs include repeated excuses for avoiding a phone call, video chat or meeting; requests to keep the relationship secret; or attempts to make you feel responsible for their wellbeing.
Be careful with links, files and emails
Do not click unfamiliar links or download files sent by someone you do not know well. They may lead to fake login pages, malware or attempts to collect your personal information.
Be cautious of emails claiming to be from dreamdateuk which ask you to click a link, provide a password or enter financial information. If you are unsure, open your browser and visit dreamdateuk directly rather than following a link in an email.
Meeting in person
When you decide you are ready to meet someone, make your first meeting as safe as possible.
Meet in a busy public place, preferably during the day
Arrange your own transport to and from the meeting
Tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going
Share the person’s profile details and arrange a check-in time
Keep your phone charged and with you
Do not feel obliged to stay if you become uncomfortable
If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
Report concerns
If a member asks you for money, sends abusive messages, appears to be impersonating someone, shares inappropriate content or makes you feel unsafe, please report them using the relevant reporting option on the site or contact us directly.
We review reports and may restrict, suspend or remove accounts where content or behaviour breaches our Terms and Conditions or community standards.
For suspected fraud outside the site, you can also find official UK guidance at Action Fraud.
The important things to remember
Take your time. Keep personal details private. Never send money. Trust your instincts. Report anything concerning.
