1. Before the first meet
•Video chat at least once. It's a five-minute vibe check that catches most catfish.
•Search their name and reverse-image-search their photos.
•Set the first meet in a busy, public place — coffee shops, breweries, parks in daylight.
•Tell a friend where you're going, when, and with whom. Use the Safe Meet check-in feature.
•Drive yourself or take a rideshare — don't accept a pick-up from someone you've never met.
2. During the meet
•Order and watch your own drinks. Never leave a drink unattended.
•Keep your phone charged and on you.
•Trust your gut — you can leave at any time, for any reason, without explanation.
•Don't share your home address, workplace, or exact daily schedule until trust is built.
3. Online safety
•Use a photo of just you (no kids, no license plates, no house numbers).
•Turn off location metadata on photos you upload.
•Don't reuse your dating photos on public profiles — it defeats reverse image search.
•Choose a unique password for your account and enable 2FA where offered.
4. Protect your privacy
•Never share your SSN, bank details, or ID with a match.
•Consider a Google Voice number for your first phone calls off-app.
•Keep social media handles private until you've met safely a few times.
5. After the meet
•Check in with a friend so they know you got home safe.
•Log any red flags in your notes app in case you need them later.
•If something felt off, report it — even if you're not 100% sure. Patterns matter.