Some people will spend weeks (or even months) getting to know you over the internet before they ask for money. Just because you think you know someone online doesn’t necessarily mean you know who they are in real life, so always be cautious.
People might also try to use your explicit photos to get you to send them more images. If you’re being extorted, tell a trusted adult right away, or report it to the police.
More insidious people will lie to get personal information about you online. That’s why you should never give out your full name, address, or any financial info to someone you don’t know.
If you ask to talk to them over the phone or on video chat and they refuse, that’s a red flag. It could be a sign that their pictures and who they are don’t match up.
Sometimes, thieves will get your bank account information by saying they want to send you money. Instead, they’ll use your info to wire themselves a large amount and then block you online.
Even websites that seem legitimate can be set up by scammers to get your personal information. Never enter any of your info into a site unless you’re sure that it’s trustworthy.
People ghost others for a lot of reasons: maybe they wanted to break off your relationship and they didn’t want to upset you, maybe they had to delete their accounts, or maybe they were lying about who they really were. Getting over being ghosted can be hard, but the best thing you can do is move on.
If you’re being bullied online by multiple people, talk to a trusted adult. They can help you take the next steps to end the harassment.
If you have kids, be sure to warn them about the dangers of sexual predators online.
People who are tech savvy can even take a look at the geotag on your photos and figure out your exact location. It’s important to only share things with people you know in real life, not ones you’ve only met online.
Stay safe while online dating by checking out the person’s social media profiles, video chatting with them before you meet in person, and telling a friend where you’re going and who you’re with.
