Online Dating Safety: The Checklist Before You Meet

Before the First Date

1. Reverse-image search their photos

Drop a profile picture into Google Images. Catfishing accounts often steal photos from public sources.

2. Look for them on at least one other platform

LinkedIn, Instagram, or any platform with a longer history. People who exist online tend to leave longer trails.

3. Have a video call before meeting

Even a 5-minute video chat verifies the person matches their photos. People with anything to hide will avoid this.

4. Don't share your home address yet

Meet at a public place you've chosen. They don't need your address — even for pickup.

For the First Meeting

5. Public, well-lit, ideally daytime

Coffee shop, park, brewery during daylight hours. Avoid first dates that start after 9pm.

6. Tell a friend the details

Where you're meeting, who you're meeting, when you'll check in. Some people share live location; others text afterward.

7. Plan your own transportation

Don't rely on a date for getting home. Drive yourself, take a rideshare, or know the public transit option.

Red Flags Before You Meet

• They refuse to video call
• They want to move off the app immediately
• They ask for money for any reason — block immediately
• They want to meet at a private location for the first date
• Their stories don't add up across conversations