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 bank details private until you truly know someone.
• Check your photos do not show your letterbox number, your car registration or other family members.
• Never send money, gift cards or bank details to someone you have met online, no matter how sad the story.
• Do not let anyone push you into sharing more photos or information than you are comfortable with.
• 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 cafe or club 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 mobile, 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 111 in an emergency.

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

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