Dating safely
Most people you meet are exactly who they say. These habits protect you from the few who aren’t.
Reporting a scam in the US
Never send money or gift cards to anyone you haven't met in person, however good the reason sounds. Report romance scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. You can also block and report a profile here, and a person will review it.
Source: FTC: FTC announces new fraud reporting platform for consumers
Reporting a scam in the UK
Be wary of anyone who asks for money, and suspicious if they keep finding reasons not to meet. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report fraud to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040. Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Keeping your children safe
Keep your children's names, photos and school off your profile, and be wary of anyone who seems more interested in your children than in you. The NSPCC says abusers can be anyone, and some target a whole family to get time alone with a child. If you're worried about a child, call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. To report online grooming, contact CEOP.
Source: NSPCC: Grooming