Safety Center
Your safety is your right. These guidelines help you date smarter.
Before you meet
- Video chat first. A short video call confirms identity and chemistry before you spend time meeting in person.
- Tell someone. Share the date location, time, and your date's name with a trusted friend. Set a check-in time.
- Reverse image search. If photos appear elsewhere online, they may be stolen.
- Meet in public. Never meet at a private residence or isolated location for a first date.
- Arrange your own transportation. Drive yourself or use a rideshare. Never rely on your date for pickup or drop-off.
During the date
- Watch your drink. Never leave it unattended. Order and watch it being prepared.
- Stay sober-ish. Keep your judgment clear. Alcohol impairs your ability to assess situations.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave. You owe no explanation.
- Have an exit plan. Arrange a friend to call with a fake emergency if needed.
Red flags
- Refuses to video chat or meet in person
- Asks for money for any reason
- Declares love within days
- Inconsistent stories about job, family, or location
- Pressures you to move off the platform quickly
- Gets angry when you set boundaries
- Bad-mouths all previous partners
Privacy protection
- Never share your home address before meeting
- Never share SSN, bank details, or payment info
- Keep social media private during early dating
- Use an app-based number for early calls
- Never send intimate photos — assume they could be shared
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a profile is real?
Video chat before meeting in person. Reverse image search their photos. Check for consistent stories over time. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
What should I do if someone asks for money?
Stop all communication and report the profile immediately. No legitimate romantic interest asks for money before meeting in person, regardless of the reason given.
Where should I meet for a first date?
Always meet in a busy, public place — a coffee shop, restaurant, or mall. Never meet at a private residence, hotel, or isolated location for a first date.
How do I report a suspicious user?
Click the Report button on any ad or profile. Provide as much detail as possible. All reports are confidential and reviewed by our moderation team.
Should I share my phone number?
Not until you have met in person and feel safe. Use an app-based number (Google Voice) for early communication until trust is established.
What information should stay private?
Your home address, workplace, financial details, SSN, and any identifying information should never be shared with someone you haven't met and trusted for a long time.
Emergency
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency safety concerns, contact your local police department. To report a user on AdBackPage, use the Report button on their ad or profile.