Online dating safety in Australia: a practical guide

Most people you meet online are exactly who they say they are. A few aren’t, and a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers practical steps for Australians, plus where to get help.

Before you meet

• Keep chatting in the app at first. Platforms like getme can see reports and act on them. Moving to WhatsApp or text straight away removes that protection.
• Look for verification. On getme, a blue badge means a person’s selfie has been checked by a real person against their photos.
• Video call first. A quick video chat confirms they look like their photos and is a good vibe check.
• Do a little research. A search of their name, or a reverse image search of their photos, can reveal a fake profile.
• Protect your details. Don’t share your home address, workplace or financial information early on. Consider using a first name only until you’ve met.

Spotting romance scams

Australians lose tens of millions of dollars to romance scams every year, according to Scamwatch. Common warning signs:

• They profess strong feelings very quickly.
• They always have a reason they can’t video call or meet.
• They’re overseas, often with a job on an oil rig, in the military or in medicine abroad.
• They ask for money, gift cards or crypto, or offer “investment opportunities”.
• They push you to move off the app straight away.

Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If you think you’re being scammed, stop contact, report the profile in the app and report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. If you’ve sent money, contact your bank immediately.

On the date

• Meet in a public, busy place, and stay there for the first date.
• Tell a friend who you’re meeting, where and when, and check in during and after.
• Get there and back yourself, so you can leave whenever you like.
• Watch your drink. Order it yourself and don’t leave it unattended.
• Trust your gut. You don’t owe anyone your time. If something feels off, leave.

Image-based abuse and harassment

Sharing intimate images of someone without consent is a crime in every Australian state and territory. If it happens to you, report it to the eSafety Commissioner at esafety.gov.au, which can help get images removed. Block and report anyone who harasses you on getme; we review every report.

Where to get help

• Emergency: 000
• Police assistance (non-urgent): 131 444
• 1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic and family violence): 1800 737 732
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au
• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au

For more, read our Safety Tips and Community Guidelines.