Dating Apps – While you might be excited to meet up with a potential partner on a dating app in a foreign country, there are a few things to keep in mind while using these apps. First, avoid sending suggestive pictures or messages to other users. You also should avoid sharing personal information like financial details.
Avoid sexting
One of the most common online dating scams is sexting, which is a form of online exploitation. It involves paying a ransom for compromising images or videos. It should be avoided, at least until you’re able to meet the person in person. Moreover, it’s not safe to engage in sex with a stranger you’ve met on dating apps.
Avoid sharing financial information
If you are travelling abroad, it is best to be cautious and not share your financial information on dating apps. Some of these apps might ask for compromising pictures and you should not click on any links. However, if you have any suspicions, you should immediately cut off contact with the person and contact the dating site or app. You should avoid giving any financial information, such as credit card numbers, to anyone who contacts you.
Avoid harassment
Be wary of sexual harassment when using dating apps abroad. The safest dating apps will allow you to report suspicious users and block them. You can also file a report if you are a victim of harassment or extortion. It is also important to remember that there are some people who may be fake accounts or fake profiles, so be cautious and use your instincts when connecting with someone.
When using a dating app abroad, it is particularly important to be aware of local laws. Many countries have laws that criminalize same-sex activities. Therefore, it’s vital to know the laws of your destination country before you travel. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from using dating apps abroad.
There is also a larger literature regarding the dangers of dating apps. It has shown that these apps may lead to deception, harassment, and discrimination, especially if they are used by people who have sex with men. Other authors have noted that these dating apps may cause body image issues and gender stereotypes, which can lead to sexual assaults.
Avoid catfishing
One of the easiest ways to avoid being catfished while using dating apps abroad is to check the profile picture of the person you are communicating with. Catfishers will not use their own photos; instead, they will use photos that they steal from public profiles. If you’re not comfortable with sharing your picture, you can always change your settings to only see verified profiles.
Don’t fall for someone who shows admiration right away. You should always spend some time getting to know a person before you meet them in person. If you feel they’re able to manipulate you before the actual meeting, they probably are a catfish. If you’ve met a person who seems manipulative, stay away from him or her.
When meeting a potential match, make sure to go to a public place and take along a friend. Catfishers can be very convincing and use excuses to hide their identity. To ensure that you’re not a victim of catfishing, be wary of people who ask for money or request to meet.
While some catfishers are out to extort money or gifts, others are looking for emotional damage. They will often continue the romance scam for months or even years. It can be difficult to spot, but it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate that someone is a scammer. For example, one woman, Yvonne Costales, fell for the false promises of a fake “Robert.” The scammer sent daily messages and made plans to meet her, but then she discovered she had been catfished.
Fortunately, you can detect some of these scams easily. If you’re unsure of the person you’re talking to, you can check their social media accounts and company pages. Some dating apps have a background check feature that lets you check their profiles. Also, remember to avoid revealing too much personal information. Catfishes use your vulnerability and financial situation to decide who to target.
