While we were happy to hear that online dating became more popular than ever during the pandemic, it was less than awesome to hear that unsavory fraudulent activity on dating sites is up as well. Catfishing and straight up scamming is on the rise on dating sites, so here are three tips to avoid getting scammed online.

1. Reverse image search the member’s photo — You’d be amazed how many photos are stolen from Instagrammers, stock image sites, even porn stars! Tineye is an easy-to-use site to search if a member stole an image that isnt them.
2. NEVER agree to send money — taking someone on a date is one thing. Sending someone “gas money” before you’ve ever even met them is an easy way to lose $60 fast.
3. Video chat before you go on a date — Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, there are lots of easy ways to have a video conversation to help you feel sure that the person you are talking to is really who they say they are.
4. Use your common sense — if the woman looks like a supermodel, while you’re more Chris Farley than Chris Hemsworth, stop and trust your brain, not your other head!