Online Dating

Many relationships start online and there are millions of UK users registered with online dating sites. 

Offenders exploit the anonymity and ease of dating websites to make themselves more credible to other users and to create a false persona.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY WHEN ONLINE DATING -

Stay on the dating site - Don't be quick to leave the dating site's messaging service. If they are a fraudster, they will often be keen to use alternative methods of communication quickly.

Never give money to someone you met on a dating site, especially if you haven't met them in person. For more information watch “The Little Guide to Avoiding Romance Fraud” at www.met.police.uk/littlemedia

Avoid feeling pressured into meeting prematurely in person.

Create and adhere to a date plan that is on your terms and consider the location, timing, duration of the date and method of transportation to ensure your safety.

Meet and stay in public, treat the first date as a short screening process.

Report any offences to the police, this can help to prevent similar offences in future.