The Dark Side of Online Dating: Crimes Are on the Rise

Online dating might seem like a harmless way of meeting with potential partners, but under the lovey-dovey surface lurks a dark shadow that isn’t openly spoken about. Believe us, spending an awkward first date with a creepy person is nowhere near as traumatizing as being robbed or getting stalked by your ex. For every success story on the internet it seems there’s also a nightmarish scenario on how a date went wrong. If you wish to avoid falling victim to dating criminals, exercise caution and stay level-headed, but we’ve collected an arsenal of tips to help protect yourself both online and in real life.

Safety tips for daters

The moral of the story is that both women and men can be the victims of dating crime. The culprits prey on people prone to wanton behavior. You should always decline offers suggesting a secluded place for meeting, especially if it’s the first date. Stick to public spaces like restaurants, plazas or movie theaters. Even though it’s cliched, criminals won’t attempt anything suspicious with plenty of eyewitnesses around. Also, be cautious about the kind of substance you consume. There could be a risk of people putting a drug in a partner’s drink in order to numb their resistance. We highly recommend bringing non-lethal self-defense items with you, just in case. A pepper spray or a personal alarm system is small and easy to wield during a desperate situation.