Online Dating Safety Tips

Trust your intuition

Your gut instinct is a powerful tool which either tells you to move forward with someone or alarms you when something doesn't feel right. When browsing profiles, chatting, exchanging contact details, during telephone conversations, or when fixing a date, always trust your intuition and ask your self 'does this feel right'? If something doesn't feel right or you're uneasy about the exchanged communication, be cautious and take things slow or simply back off. Always listen to your inner voice, because if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Guard your privacy

We recommend you create a basic profile which comprises of your interests such as art, books, music, or travel and ensure it does NOT reveal too much personal information such as your last name, contact number, home or office address. Under no circumstances should you give out your financial information such as your credit card or bank account number. We generally recommend that you get know each other on Fifties.com and share contact details when you feel comfortable and ready.

Your first Date

You have browsed through his/her profile, your interests match, chats and phone calls have gone well and now you are looking forward to meet this person. You're all excited about your first date but you should still heed the precautions below.

• Always meet in a public place where there are lots of other people around, preferably during the daytime in a restaurant or cafe.
• Ensure a friend or family member knows where and when you're meeting, how long your meeting is, and also when to expect you home. Use your phone to inform a friend or family member as you leave so that they know you are safe and heading back home. However, at any point you feel uneasy, just apologise and leave or seek help if you feel threatened.
• Never have your date pick or drop you at home. Alternatively, a wiser option would be you drive your own car or have a friend or family member drop you. This would allow an easy exit if you feel uneasy and the date does not go as planned.
• At all times keep your purse or wallet and mobile with you, and never leave your drinks unattended. You may even ask a friend to text or call you to find out about your date, and if things are not going as planned they may come and get you if required.
• Do not come under any pressure from the other person to meet up. If you feel something is not right, simply 'back-off' and if need be, you can cancel your date at the last minute. Always remember, if something feels wrong, it probably is.