Dating Safety Tips

Meeting New People Safely

Meeting new people can be exciting, but it is important to exercise caution when interacting with someone unfamiliar. Always use sound judgment and prioritize safety, whether during initial message exchanges or when meeting in person. While it is not possible to control the actions of others, there are steps you can take to help ensure a safer experience on FlipTree.

Online Safety

  • Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

    Never send money, especially through wire transfers, even if the person claims to be in an emergency situation. Wire transfers are like sending cash-it is nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Additionally, avoid sharing information that could be used to access financial accounts. If another user requests money, report the incident to FlipTree immediately.

    For more advice on avoiding romance scams, visit the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s website.

  • Protect Your Personal Information

    Avoid sharing personal information such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine with someone you do not know. If you are a parent, limit the information you share about your children, including their names, school details, or ages, in your profile or early communications.

  • Stay on the Platform

    Keep conversations within the platform while getting to know someone. Users with ill intentions may try to move the conversation off-platform.

  • Be Wary of Long-Distance and Overseas Relationships

    Be cautious of individuals who claim to be from your country but are currently overseas, especially if they request financial help to return home. Be wary of anyone who refuses to meet in person or talk on the phone/video call-they may not be who they claim to be. If someone pushes for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first, that could be a red flag.

  • Report Suspicious and Offensive Behavior

    Report any suspicious or offensive behavior to FlipTree, including:

    • Requests for money or donations
    • Underage users
    • Harassment, threats, or 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 concerns from any profile page or messaging window. For more information, refer to our Community Guidelines.

Meeting in Person

  • Don’t Rush: Take your time getting to know the other person before agreeing to meet in person or moving the conversation off the Platform. Use phone or video calls as a way to screen for red flags before meeting.

  • Meet in Public and Stay in Public: For the first few meetings, choose populated, public locations. Avoid meeting at private residences. If the other person pressures you to meet in a private setting, end the date.

  • Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans: Inform a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you will be meeting. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.

  • Be in Control of Your Transportation: Ensure that you have control over how you get to and from the meeting location, so you can leave whenever you want. If driving, consider having a backup plan, such as a ride-share app or a friend available to pick you up.

  • Know Your Limits: Be mindful of how alcohol or drugs affect your judgment and awareness. If the other person pressures you to consume more than you are comfortable with, hold your ground and end the date if necessary.

  • Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended: Ensure that you know where your drink comes from and keep track of it at all times. Avoid accepting drinks from anyone other than the bartender or server. Keep personal items like your phone, wallet, or purse with you at all times.

  • If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave: It is perfectly acceptable to leave a date early if you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts and, if something feels off, ask the bartender or server for assistance.

  • LGBTQ+ Travel

    Exercise Caution When Traveling

    While FlipTree values inclusivity, some countries have laws that specifically target LGBTQ+ individuals. Research the laws and legal protections (if any) for LGBTQ+ individuals in the area where you are traveling.

    It is important to remain vigilant when connecting with new people in countries where LGBTQ+ laws are discriminatory, as law enforcement in some areas may use dating apps for entrapment purposes. Be aware of recent laws that criminalize communications on same-sex dating platforms.

    For more information, visit ILGA World’s website to see the latest sexual orientation laws by country.

Sexual Health & Consent

  • Protect Yourself

    Using condoms consistently and correctly can reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. However, STIs like herpes or HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Some STIs can also be prevented through vaccination.

  • Know Your Status

    Not all STIs show symptoms, so it is important to get tested regularly to stay informed about your health and help prevent the spread of STIs. Find a testing clinic near you (U.S. only).

  • Communication is Key

    Before engaging in physical intimacy, discuss sexual health and STI testing with your partner. In some areas, it is a legal requirement to disclose an STI to a partner before engaging in sexual activity. If you need help starting the conversation, here are some tips.

  • Consent

    Consent is required for all sexual activity, and ongoing check-ins with your partner are important. Verbal communication ensures that both parties respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sexual activity should not proceed if a partner is uncomfortable or unable to give consent due to drugs or alcohol. Learn more about consent from RAINN.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you experience a negative encounter, it is not your fault. Report incidents to FlipTree and consider reaching out to the following resources. For emergencies, contact 911 (U.S. or Canada) or local law enforcement.

Visit ILGA World’s website for more information on international sexual orientation laws.