Safe online dating – this is how you recognize “red flags”

When it comes to finding a partner on the Internet, the focus should be on convenience and advantages. Nevertheless, security should not be neglected when it comes to online dating. Although the Internet offers many advantages in finding a partner, it is also a playground for people with bad intentions and treacherous traps. There are many dangers lurking on the World Wide Web; fictitious profiles of moderators on dubious websites or subscription traps are just two of many. In addition, there are negative dating trends such as love scamming, ghosting, benching and catfishing, that pose further risks.

But you shouldn’t let these hurdles and challenges distract you from your goal. The chances of success in online dating are hardly comparable to the chances in real life. Some dating sites are home to millions of users who share the same values, visions, preferences and interests. This is what makes the search for potential matches so exciting and promising at the same time. Some portals offer comprehensive services making the partner search and making contact as smooth as possible.

Protective measures on the Internet

The Internet is both a blessing and a curse. Theoretically, it is possible to find great happiness in a short amount of time. In practice, however, there is a possibility that all you are left with is a broken heart. Be that as it may, there is only one way to protect yourself in both the virtual and real world. It is crucial to know the potential risk points. It is even more important to recognize them early on. That way you can either take action against these risks or break off all contact and withdraw.

Dating portals usually offer many protective measures for their customers. They take effect during registration for example, to prevent the creation of fake profiles amongst other things. A reputable platform will either check new members manually or use artificial intelligence to detect suspicious user behavior. Suspicious behavior could be sending large numbers of messages to an unrealistic number of users. Another safety precaution on dating sites is that you can report suspicious profiles to customer support. This option is also there if a user displays unfriendly or disrespectful behavior.

What are Red Flags?

Red Flags is a modern definition of warning signals. For example, beaches around the world use red flags. If the sea builds up and produces high waves or a strong storm is heading towards the coast, people are warned with red flags. They indicate danger and indicate that from now on you should act with caution to avoid harm to yourself and others. While red flags on beaches or other bodies of water are very real, on the Internet they are only symbolic. There is no lifeguard in a beach chair to raise these red flags.

And that’s exactly the problem, because you’re on your own. At least at first, because help is always available. If you encounter a red flag, family or friends can help you better assess the situation. It is important not to panic and to avoid rash actions as is the case in all dangerous moments.

Recognize red flags yourself

Red flags are warning signals and indicate that something or someone is wrong. This is a big step in the right direction. But because there is no one on the Internet to raise a red flag when there is danger, you must be able to recognize dangerous situations yourself. This means you must be aware of the potential dangers and risks on the Internet. Only then can you recognize and avoid them.

Some red flags occur frequently and are generally known about. But new dangers appear on the Internet all the time. A seemingly difficult task because you must manage the balancing act between caution and courage. On the one hand, you should always be on your guard and consciously weigh risks and opportunities. On the other hand, you must be open to new people and experiences when you are looking for a partner.

Contradictions and demands

Another red flag is contradictions. If a person’s information during the conversation contains contradictions or the information in a profile does not match what is provided during a chat, extreme caution should be exercised. It could just be a simple fake profile from someone who is having some mean fun. But it could also be a love scammer which can involve financial risks as well as other risks.

This red flag should also be noticed if the person provides very little information. An empty profile is one sign, another indication can be if important questions remain unanswered during a chat, or answers are avoided. There are also demands of all kinds. Financial demands are a big warning sign. Often, they claim that an emergency has come up and ask you for financial support. Part of this red flag is unusually expensive gifts or cash gifts, which can later be used as leverage. Another demand could be sending private photos and videos which can be exploited.

Blackmail and defamation of reputation

Sending sensitive content such as erotic images to an unknown person involves considerable risks. They can jeopardize privacy, security and well-being. The sent content could be used to blackmail or to damage reputation. Typically, the person threatens to publish the images received or forward them to specific people. You should always ensure full control over your data and information. This includes control over your own will. This is the only way to actively prevent a breach of trust, blackmail and damage to your reputation.

Another red flag, which also has to do with visual content, is profile pictures that appear too perfect or professional. Unusual photos should make you skeptical as they might be fake. It is a reason to believe that not only the profile picture, but also other information in the profile could be misleading or fictitious. Suspicious links and attachments seen either in a profile or in a conversation are also a big red flag for phishing. The links may be an attempt to steal your personal information and should not be followed.

Offline mode and questionable behavior

Another warning sign could be a lack of online presence. This includes, on the one hand, communication behavior and, on the other hand, presence on other communication platforms and social media. If a person insists on quickly moving the conversation from a secure dating platform to private channels such as email or messenger, caution is advised. This red flag indicates a love scammer. Especially if the person has little to no visible presence on the Internet. Nowadays almost everyone has at least one profile on a social platform. A person that apparently does not use any media is questionable.

Just like contradictions is a red flag, so is extreme jealousy and toxic control, especially if there are early signs of this behavior. It could be an attempt to isolate a potential victim. The rule also applies here: you should always maintain complete control over your data and all vital decisions.

Safety comes first

Online dating makes many things easier, but there are also many potential risks and only few options for protection. You must know and be able to recognize the risks. You also must be proactive to protect yourself. Help and advice from friends and family should always be accepted and sought for if in doubt. Finally, it is always a good idea to follow your well-known gut feeling and, if worst comes to worst, better act too early than too late.