Is Online Dating Safe? What You Need to Know Before Joining

Dec 17, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Oct 5

Online dating is one of the most popular ways to meet someone new, whether you’re dating for the first time in years or just want to widen your circle. It’s natural to wonder how safe it is. Most people have good experiences, and a few simple habits make it safer still. Here’s what to know before you join, and how to stay safe from the first message to the first date.

Eye-level view of a woman sitting thoughtfully near a laptop, considering joining a dating site

Understanding the risks

Fake profiles. Some people use false photos or lie about who they are, sometimes called catfishing.
Romance scams. Scammers build trust quickly, then ask for money or financial details.
Privacy. Sharing too much too soon can expose you to unwanted attention or identity theft.
Disappointment. Not every match turns out the way you hoped, and that can sting.

Knowing the risks helps you go in with your eyes open.

How Plentymorefish helps

Plentymorefish has been an online dating site for over 20 years. We have clear privacy policies and active moderation. You can keep chatting through our messages until you’re ready to share your number, and you can report anyone who makes you uncomfortable to our customer support team.

These help, but they don’t replace common sense. If you’re unsure about someone, ask a friend for their view.

Before you meet

Keep personal details private

Until you know someone well, don’t share:

your home address or exact workplace
financial information, your National Insurance number or your date of birth
intimate photos that could be used without your consent

Check they are who they say they are

If a profile seems too good to be true, it might be. Look out for photos or stories that don’t add up. A video call before you meet is a simple way to check, so be wary of anyone who refuses one, or who won’t meet somewhere public.

Never send money

Someone you’ve met online should never ask you for money, however good the reason sounds. Don’t transfer money, share your online banking details, or pay for their travel or an “emergency”. Treat any request like this as a red flag.

Keep your account secure

Use a strong password that you don’t use anywhere else.

On the date

Meet somewhere busy and public for the first few dates, such as a café, a restaurant or a park with plenty of people around.
Tell a friend where you’re going and who you’re meeting. You can share your live location from your phone and arrange to check in afterwards.
Make your own way there and back.
Drink sensibly. Keep an eye on your drink, and don’t accept one you haven’t seen poured.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s fine to end the date and leave.

If something feels wrong

Stop replying, and don’t share any more personal or financial information.
Report them to our customer support team.
If you think your account has been compromised, change your password.

At a bar or venue, you can go to the staff and ask for “Angela”. It’s a code phrase that tells trained staff you feel unsafe and need help, whether that’s finding your friends, getting you into a taxi or calling security. Find out more about Ask for Angela.

For police advice or to report something suspicious, call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

After the date

Take a moment to reflect. Were they respectful? Did you feel safe and comfortable? Let that guide whether you see them again.

Dating again after divorce?

Take your time, be clear about what you’re looking for, and lean on friends while you find your feet. If you’d like to meet others who’ve been there too, try The Divorced Pond.

Don’t go it alone

There’s nothing embarrassing about talking to friends or family about your dates. Millions of people date online, and a second opinion can help you see a situation more clearly. Dating should be fun, and with a little preparation, you can relax and enjoy getting to know someone new.