Meeting strangers through online platforms carries inherent risks. To mitigate these, we strongly advise the following practices before and during in-person meetings:
- Initial Contact:
- Always use the in-platform messaging system. Avoid moving to private messengers (WhatsApp, SMS, etc.) until trust is well established.
- Conduct a video call before meeting in person. This helps confirm identity and detect inconsistencies.
- Planning the First Meeting:
- Always meet in a public, well-lit area. Coffee shops, public parks, or shopping centers are recommended.
- Arrange your own transportation. Never accept rides from someone you just met online.
- Informing Others:
- Share your meeting details (who, when, where) with a trusted friend or family member.
- Use GPS sharing features to allow real-time tracking by someone you trust.
- During the Meeting:
- Maintain control over your food and drinks. Drink spiking is a real and dangerous threat.
- Avoid alcohol or excessive intimacy during first meetings. Many cases of sexual assault reported on dating platforms occur under the influence.
- After the Meeting:
- Reflect on behavior. If you felt pressured, unsafe, or manipulated, report the profile immediately.
If you experienced assault or harassment, report it to law enforcement and our support team.