Online Connection Safety: Simple Rules Before Meeting Someone in Person
A promising conversation should never require you to ignore basic safety. Take sensible precautions before meeting someone from online.
Meeting someone new can be exciting.
It should also be approached with sensible precautions.
Meet in public
Choose a public place for early meetings.
Avoid allowing someone you barely know to pressure you into an isolated location.
Tell someone you trust
Share your meeting location and basic plan with a trusted friend or relative.
Protect sensitive information
Do not quickly share passwords, financial credentials or unnecessary personal documents.
Be careful with money requests
A new online connection asking for money very early deserves caution.
Do not allow emotional pressure to replace judgement.
Pay attention to inconsistencies
If important parts of someone's story repeatedly change, take time before trusting them further.
Respect your own discomfort
You are allowed to end a conversation or leave a meeting.
You do not owe continued access to someone simply because you previously agreed to talk.
Connection should be built alongside safety, respect and trust.
