Safety Dating Tips

SAFE DATING ADVICE

It's thrilling to meet new people, but it's crucial to be cautious when interacting with people you don’t know. Prioritize your safety whether you're exchanging messages or planning in-person meetings. While you can't control others' actions, there are steps you can take to stay safe while using the App.

ONLINE SAFETY AND ROMANCE SCAMS

Avoid Engaging With Suspicious Profiles

If a match lacks a bio description, linked social media accounts, or has only one photo, it might be a fake account. Be cautious when connecting with individuals offering limited information. Look for inconsistencies between their profile and what they tell you. Scammers often send poorly written, vague messages or may address you incorrectly, possibly managing multiple victims simultaneously.

Check Out your Potential Date on Social Media

Research your potential date on social media or mutual online connections to avoid falling victim to "catfishing." Perform an image search to check if their photo is from a stock site or another online profile.

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

Never share money or financial details, especially via wire transfer, even if the person claims an emergency. Avoid disclosing information that could access your financial accounts. Report immediately if another user asks for money.

Be Cautious of Long-Distance or Overseas Relationships

Watch out for individuals claiming to be from your country but are allegedly stranded elsewhere, especially if they ask for financial assistance. Beware of those unwilling to meet or engage in phone/video calls; they might not be genuine. A red flag is someone avoiding questions or hastily pushing for a serious relationship without getting to know you. For advice on avoiding romance scams, consult the U.S Federal Trade Commission's guidance on their website.

Protect Your Personal Information

Safeguard personal details like your social security number, home or work address, and daily routines from strangers. Parents should limit sharing information about their children, including names, schools, ages, or genders. Be cautious with public sharing of images.

Stay on the App

Stay on the App for conversations during initial stages; individuals with ill intentions often try to move communication to external channels.

Protect Your Account

Choose a robust password and exercise caution when logging in from shared or public computers. The company never requests your username or password via email. Report any such requests immediately.

MEETING IN PERSON

Red Flags

Look for red flags before agreeing to meet or chat off the App. Be cautious if a match wants to switch to other communication channels immediately or insists on a quick in-person meeting. Stick to chatting on the App initially to avoid potential risks.

Video Chat Before You Meet Up in Person

Consider scheduling a video call before meeting in person to verify the match's identity. Resistance to a video call could indicate suspicious behavior.

Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place — never at your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, end the date.

Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

Don’t Rely on Your Date for Transportation

We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. Even if the person you're meeting volunteers to pick you up, avoid getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t know and trust, especially if it’s the first meeting. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up. Make sure you have data on your phone and it’s fully charged, or consider bringing your charger or a portable battery with you.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground and end the date.

Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times — only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.

If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave

It’s okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help to create a distraction, call the police, or get a safe ride home.

SEXUAL HEALTH & CONSENT

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.

Know Your Status

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly.

Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here.

REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS AND OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

You know when someone’s crossed the line and when they do, we want to know about it. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

Requests for money or donations
Underage users
Harassment, threats, and offensive messages
Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person
Fraudulent profiles
Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from a messaging window or by emailing support@alystdating.com.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember — even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. Report any incidents here, and consider reaching out to one of the resources below. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673) I online.rainn.org I www.rainn.org

Planned Parenthood

1-800-230-7526 I www.plannedparenthood.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 I www.thehotline.org

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 I www.humantraffickinghotline.org

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

1-877-739-3895 I www.nsvrc.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) I www.cybertipline.com