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 little common sense goes a long way. Here are our tips for staying safe, online and in person.

Staying Safe Online

• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, you do not owe anyone an explanation. Stop replying, or block them.
• Keep your home address, phone number and banking details private until you truly know someone.
• Make sure your photos do not show your house number, your licence plate or other family members.
• Never send money, gift cards or bank details to someone you have met online, however heartbreaking the story.
• Do not let anyone pressure you into sharing more photos or information than you are comfortable with.
• Be wary of anyone who declares their 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 coffee shop 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.
• Arrange your own transportation there and back rather than accepting a ride on a first date.
• Take your cell phone, charged, and agree a code word with a friend in case you want a polite excuse to leave.
• If you ever feel unsafe, leave, ask staff for help, or call 911 in an emergency.

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

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