Meeting someone online can be exciting, and good boundaries help you stay in control. These guidelines apply whether you’re browsing a profile, chatting with a mutual connection or considering a first meeting.
Important: Email verification and profile review do not prove anyone’s legal identity. If you feel pressured, threatened or asked for money, stop communicating, use the report or block option and tell someone you trust.
Keep sensitive information private
Avoid sharing your home address, banking details, passwords, identity documents, financial records or security codes. Your visible profile contains only a nickname, general location, approximate age, interests and a short introduction. Keep it that way.
Talk first; take your time
Private messages are available after two members express mutual interest. Use them to get to know each other gradually. Be cautious about requests to move off the platform immediately or to share personal contact information before you feel comfortable.
Never send money to someone you’ve met online
Romance scammers may invent emergencies, business investments or travel difficulties. They might request payments by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. Never send money, hold funds or allow another person to use your bank accounts.
Look out for suspicious behaviour
Watch for conflicting stories, pressure to communicate secretly, sudden declarations of devotion, repeated refusal to verify basic details or requests for identifying information. No single clue proves fraud, but a pattern of pressure or inconsistency is a reason to slow down or disengage.
Choose a public first meeting
- Arrange a daytime meeting in a well-populated café, community venue or other public place.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Arrange your own transport and keep your phone charged.
- Respect everyone’s boundaries. You can end or decline a meeting at any time.
Block and report inside the platform
Open a member profile to block or report someone. You can also report a particular message from your private conversation. Blocking stops you from seeing one another and prevents further messages. Moderators review reports and may suspend accounts, but reports are not an emergency service.
Where to get help in Australia
Visit Scamwatch for current scam information and reporting options. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Australia’s emergency number 000.
For an introduction to the platform, see How it works and create a free account when you are ready.