Online Dating Safety For Over 80s

Online dating can be safer than meeting a stranger at a dance, because you can chat for as long as you like before deciding to meet. A bit of common sense goes a long way. Here are our tips for staying safe, online and in person.

Staying Safe Online

• Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, you owe nobody an explanation. Stop replying, or block them.
• Keep your home address, phone number and banking details private until you truly know someone.
• Check your photos do not show your house number, your number plate or other family members.
• Never send money, vouchers, airtime or bank details to someone you have met online, no matter how sad the story.
• Never share a one time PIN (OTP) with anyone. No genuine admirer needs it.
• Be wary of anyone who declares undying love before you have even met. Real feelings take time.

Meeting In Person

When you are ready to meet, a little planning lets you relax and enjoy yourself:

• Meet in daylight somewhere public and busy, such as a tea garden or restaurant, for the first few dates.
• Tell a friend or family member who you are meeting, where and when, and what time you expect to be home.
• Make your own way there and back rather than accepting a lift on a first date.
• Take your cellphone, charged, and agree a code word with a friend in case you want an excuse to leave early.
• If you ever feel unsafe, leave, ask staff for help, or call the police on 10111, or 112 from a cellphone.

Your date is probably just as nervous as you are, so be kind, take it slowly and have fun.

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