TECH BYTE: Tips For Dodging Online Dating Scams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Many people these days are turning to online dating to find their perfect match.

There are ways you can do it safely without getting scammed.

Stick to catfish on your dinner plate – not on your online dating profile.

Just because a lot of singles are using the Internet and smartphone apps to find a date, doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.

Security experts with VPNOverview.com are out with some tips to protect you from online dating scams.

Make sure to request a video chat before you go on a date.

VPNOverview says doing that helps filter out fake profiles.

If the person you’re messaging turns down a phone or video call, that’s a red flag right there.

While it may be convenient, VPNOverview also advises that you don’t connect your dating profiles to your social media pages.

It could be a privacy hazard.

It gives strangers access to your personal online pages meant for friends and family.

The site says to use another way to log in to your dating profile that can’t be traced back to you.

It recommends making a Google account with random information that doesn’t have any of your personal data.

You should also use pictures for your dating profiles that you don’t use anywhere else.

Someone could use a reverse image search to use your profile pictures against you, and find out personal information you didn’t include in your dating profile.

It’s easy to forget that you have location tracking on your phone. Make sure it’s turned off when you’re not actively using a dating app.

You don’t want the app to constantly track you.

You only want it to be used to help you find a potential match who’s nearby.

Some other tips? Just use common sense.

Be wary of fake profiles, demands for money, and requests for explicit pictures.

VPNOverview.com also says you should report any suspicious activity and inappropriate behavior, and delete your account once you’re done dating on the app.