As part of the Catch the Red Flags campaign, this article has been contributed by Sizzl, one of the UK's safest dating platforms, aiming to keep daters safe from dating scams. With a firm commitment to creating a safe space for its users by integrating OneID®, Sizzl is redefining the basics for dating platforms.
Online dating has become one of the most popular ways to connect, but do you truly know who's behind the screen? According to Action Fraud, romance scam victims lose an average of £10,000. But the financial loss is just one part of the damage. The emotional toll, including trauma and victim shaming, can be devastating.
Sizzl understands how vulnerable people can be when searching for genuine connections online. That’s why its mission is to create the safest dating app in the UK. In fact, Sizzl implemented safety tech to comply with the Online Safety Act (OSA) industry-leading safety technology long before the Online Safety Act’s deadlines to ensure the highest level of user protection.
Here are essential tips from Sizzl to keep your heart, your wallet, and—most importantly—yourself safe.
The first step in protecting yourself is to pick platforms that take user safety seriously: choosing apps with robust verification systems significantly reduces the risk of encountering fraudsters. Apps like SIZZL stand out in this regard. By using OneID®, SIZZL ensures every user is who they claim to be. This mandatory verification process eliminates fake profiles, bots, and scammers, providing a secure space to connect with real people.
A common hallmark of romance scams is the gradual grooming of victims to convince them to send money. Scammers often fabricate elaborate stories, asking for funds to cover emergencies like medical expenses, legal troubles, or family crises. They may also request gift cards, expensive items, or even ask you to open a bank account or transfer funds on their behalf. Never send money or financial information to someone you haven’t met in person—no matter how compelling or urgent their story seems.
Scammers are expert manipulators who use technology, including deepfake videos and AI-generated images, to build trust. Just recently, a stunning case made headlines: a French woman scammed out of $850k by a fraudster pretending to be none other than famed actor Brad Pitt!
This case is particularly egregious but by no means an isolated one. A video call or photo might not be enough to confirm someone’s identity anymore. If you’re unsure, ask specific questions about their life that would be difficult to fabricate—and avoid oversharing personal information yourself.
Be mindful of behaviours that don’t add up. For example:
Romance scams can hurt more than your heart and wallet—they can turn dangerous very quickly when you're essentially meeting a stranger. If you decide to meet someone from a dating app, ensure your first few meetings happen in a public place. Tell a trusted friend or family member about your plans and consider sharing your location with them for added safety.
By staying vigilant and choosing platforms that prioritise safety, you can enjoy online dating with confidence. Online dating is better with online safety.
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