Meeting new people is exciting, but safety comes first. Whether you are connecting with someone in your city or across the ocean, these online dating safety tips will help Afro-Caribbean singles protect themselves while looking for love:Guard your personal info: Do not share sensitive details (home address, full name, work location) too soon. Keep conversations on the dating platform until you feel the person is trustworthy. Scammers often try to move chats to private channels quickly stay cautious.Check their digital footprint: A little online sleuthing is okay. Verify if their photos are real (you can do a reverse image search) and see if their social media profiles add up with what they tell you. If something feels off or too good to be true, pause and investigate.Beware of photos with data: Fun fact lives or motion photos can carry hidden location data. Before sending pics, disable location tagging. Similarly, be mindful of screenshots or posting images that might reveal your frequent hangouts or workplace in the background.Video chat before meeting: Especially for long distance connections, schedule a video call. It confirms the person is real and is a great way to sense their vibe. If they keep making excuses to avoid video or voice calls, that is a red flag.Plan safe first meetings: When you do decide to meet in person, always choose a public place and let a friend or family member know where you’re going and who you are meeting. Drive yourself or arrange your own transportation so you’re not dependent on them. Meeting during the day or early evening for the first meet can also feel safer.Trust your gut: You have intuition for a reason. If at any point someone behaviour makes you uncomfortable maybe they are getting too pushy, or something they say does not sit right you can slow things down or cut off contact. You owe no stranger an explanation if you feel unsafe. Block and report anyone who harasses you or violates the app rules.No money or favors: This is worth repeating never send money or share financial information with someone you’ve met online, no matter the sob story. Sadly, many kind hearted people have been duped by romance scams. Keep your guard up on this front.By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the adventure of online dating while minimizing risks. Remember, staying safe is not about being scared it is about empowering yourself. You deserve to date confidently, knowing you’re protected.CTA: Want more peace of mind while dating? Enroll in our Masterclass on safe and savvy dating and learn advanced tips to protect your heart and your security online.Sources: rainn.org