When someone is ready to open their heart to love again, seeking a meaningful connection can lead them down an unexpected path. For Talitha (pseudonym), who lived in a quiet town with limited romantic opportunities, the idea of finding love online seemed like a promising option. But concerns about her safety grew. “She has heard horror stories of people being attacked on first meeting or being seen as just a sugar mummy,” she said.
In search of an authentic connection that aligned with her values, Talitha joined a Christian dating app. “I warned her not to give out her cell phone number or pay money,” she says. After creating a short introduction of herself and sharing five photos, Talitha started conversations with potential matches. She continued her approach carefully and cautiously, and after three weeks of texting, she was finally able to meet someone in person, proving to her that true love can be found through digital means.
don't give too much
“It's important to be honest about who you are and what you're looking for on dating apps, but not reveal too much,” says SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA argues Anna Corrado. Like Talitha, she thinks it's a good idea to continue using the app and not be in a hurry to switch conversations to WhatsApp. If someone does something inappropriate, report it to your dating app and block them immediately.
“You can also do a reverse image search to check your profile picture,” she advises. She said, “It might be a waste if someone who looks like a model and has her Ph.D. falls in love with her right away.''
Beware of Red Flags
The main threat on dating apps is scammers targeting you. “Be cautious about sharing personal information, such as where you live or your mobile phone number,” Corrado warns. Romance scammers often collaborate with cryptocurrency scams and employ tactics such as confessing love without meeting. They may then request money under false pretenses, such as claiming it is for their sick mother or to invest in a cryptocurrency scheme.
“It's important to be aware of red flags, such as people claiming to live on an oil rig or in the military, so they can't see you in person,” says Anna. “They may try to gain your trust by saying they have invested your money for you in their crypto scheme, and then ask you to invest as well.”
Nearly 20% of Americans who fell victim to a romance scam in 2022 said their first contact was through a dating app, according to Federal Trade Commission statistics. In contrast, 40% say the scam started on social media platforms like Facebook. “No matter how you are contacted, always stay alert and stay alert,” Corrado advises.
“If you're meeting in person, be sure to do so in a public place and let your friends and family know where you're going,” she added. “Charge your cell phone before getting in the car.”
Be careful when using dating apps, but always be open to new opportunities. Like Talitha, you too may be one of the lucky ones to find love. “When we first met, we felt like we were old friends and it was amazing,” Talitha says. “We fell in love and plan to get married later this year.”
