Sugar dating apps have soared in popularity over recent years as a fast, convenient way to connect with new people for friendship or a more serious relationship. But online dating isn’t without its risks.
Dating apps for older elite men are so effective because they use algorithms to find matches for you based on the personal details you provide about yourself. If you’re not careful, though, this information can be used for identity theft.
Other potential digital dating abuses include online harassment and romance scams like catfishing.
And the risks of online dating may continue in the real world if you decide to meet someone in person. They may turn out to be a stalker or even worse.
Here you’ll find out what you need to know to stay safe both online and offline if you use a sugar daddy app or website.
Staying safe online
Online fraudsters may use sugar daddy sites or dating apps to steal users’ identities or trick them into handing over large sums of money through catfishing and other romance scams. Others may use dating sites to select victims to harass.
To help protect yourself against these unscrupulous people, you need to safeguard your privacy. Many sugar dating sites make it easy to create your profile, typically by allowing you to share details from your social media accounts.
This is usually harmless, but it’s best to guard against revealing too much about yourself to strangers on a dating app. If someone is causing you concern on a dating site, you should be able to block them. But they may be able to pursue you through the social media you use.
It’s also a good idea to upload unique photos to your dating profile. If you use the same pictures that appear on your social media profiles, you could be found with a reverse image search.
Be wary of dubious behaviour
You should be on the alert for suspicious behaviour on sugar dating apps that could be aimed at manipulating you.
For instance, scammers may try to get your trust and sympathy – and your money – by claiming they have a sudden personal crisis and need financial help desperately.
Other people on dating apps to be wary of include those who:
- Claim to be from your country but say they’re currently working or travelling abroad.
- Appear elusive when asked specific questions.
- Get romantic too soon.
- Pressure you to talk outside the dating app.
- Try to get your home or work address.
- Tell inconsistent stories.
- Ask for photos of you.
- Have a dodgy profile.
- Try to sell you something.
Staying safe when meeting in person
Besides minimising risks online, you also need to know how to stay safe in the real world when you use older men dating sites or apps for seeking younger girls.
When meeting someone in person for the first time, don’t do it at your home or workplace or an isolated spot. Make it a place where there’ll be plenty of other people around, like a coffee shop or restaurant.
If you feel uneasy during your date, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to leave. Ensure you’re in control of your transportation to and from the date. This way, you can leave if you start feeling uncomfortable.
Ahead of your date, you should:
- Video chat before you meet up in person. This can help you determine that your match is who they claim to be in their dating profile.
- Tell people where you’re going. Make sure at least one friend knows the timing and location of your date.
Safety features to look for in a sugar dating app
Finding a sugar dating app with robust built-in safety features will go a long way towards helping you stay safe on the online dating scene.
Things to look for include:
Blocking
If someone behaves on a dating app in a way you wouldn’t tolerate in real life, you shouldn’t have to put up with it. A blocking feature allows you to end contact immediately.
Reporting
If anyone is rude or abusive towards you on a dating app, you should be able to report them to a team of moderators who can have them kicked off the platform.
Video chat
Video chat allows you to confirm you’re talking to a real person, and can help you decide whether you trust your match and potentially build a relationship with them.