We moms have to stick together and stay safe. It’s a Wild, Wild West in the online dating sphere and we have to remember safety is the top priority.
Before you try to meet up with anyone you meet online, make sure they are the person they say they are by doing the following:
- Search for the pictures they send you to verify that they are not stock photos on the internet (using Google Lens or an image search on the internet).
- Use a reverse phone number look-up site to see if they are using a real phone in the area.
- Do a webchat in real-time. Ask them to do one randomly and see where they are and whether how they look matches up to their pictures.
- Some people subscribe to a background check service and run the name before a date.
Once you meet up with the date:
- Always meet in a public place.
- Brunch or lunch is a good option for a first date because you are both alert and generally more relaxed.
- Do not drink alcohol. This will lower your inhibitions and make you likely to get scammed or victimized by someone you don’t know.
- Do not have the person walk you to your car. If they are not a safe person, they may get into your car or take advantage of the situation. They’ll also know what your car looks like and have your license plate number.
- Do not get into their car for any reason or ride with them anywhere.
Following these tips will keep you safe so you can be available for your kids and take care of yourself for years to come.
