Is online dating safe?

Obviously with everything in life there are risks with online dating, but as long as you act sensibly and responsibly online dating should be safe. We are currently in the process of writing some advice articles about “online dating safety”. In the mean time here are some key points to remember:

• Use CompletelyFreeDating.co.uk's anonymous messaging system and never give any personal details to anyone straightaway.
• Watch out for scam artists. Never offer or send anyone any money no matter how temping they make it sound, if it sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is!!! For more information see the UK government's information page about Internet Scams.
• Be aware that people don't always tell the truth, if you not sure then don't do anything you are not comfortable with.
• If you don't feel comfort with a member, stop talking to them and ignore anymore messages from them. If you feel they are abusing the service please contact us.
• If you decide to meet in person, remember the following:
  • Always meet in a public place that you know well, like a bar or restaurant where there are lots of other people and members of staff.
  • Never arrange for your date to pick you up from home.
  • Never let your date arrange any of your travel or, if required, accommodation arrangements.
  • Always make sure someone, a good friend or family member, know where you are going to be, who you are meeting and what time you will be back and stick to it.
  • Always have a good friend or family member available to phone, or if you feel more comfortable ask them to come along with you, but tell your date you will be doing this first. If your date isn't comfortable with this then they probably are not worth meeting.
  • Don't accept a lift home from your date if you feel uncomfortable about it.
  • Always have a contingency plan for any unexpected events, take your mobile phone and make sure it is fully charge and you have enough lots of available credit.
  • Always use your common sense, if something doesn't feel right or you feel uncomfortable don't feel you have to do anything, no matter what your date says.
  • If you do feel particularly threatened, make an excuse, like going to the toilet and find a member of staff, if you are at a bar or restaurant, explain the situation and ask for help, if not do not hesitate to call the police, they are there to help.

Other general questions

• What is online dating and how do it work?
• How do I join?
• Completely free, surely not, how much really?