Imagine using an app meant to keep you safe… only to have it expose your personal data to the world. That’s exactly what happened with the women-only dating advice app Tea, which recently suffered a massive data breach—revealing everything from selfies and ID scans to private messages and even home addresses pinned on Google Maps. 

Despite promising protection and women-only verification, Tea failed to secure its databases. The breach spilled approximately 72,000 images—including 13,000 selfies and government IDs—plus 1.1 million private messages filled with context about relationships, personal struggles, and more. Even more chilling: users’ locations were plotted visually via Google Maps and harassing rating games appeared online.

This is a vivid reminder that no platform—no matter how well-intentioned—can be trusted with your most sensitive data unless it’s proven safe. So here’s how to play it smart in the digital dating world:

3 Smart Moves to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Online

1. Limit what you share—especially early on.
   Skip uploading ID photos, your address, personal documents, or any biometric data unless it’s absolutely essential—and you’ve verified the app’s security credentials.

2. Use disposable options & guard your real info.
   Create a throwaway email address, keep your personal phone number private, and use VPNs or safe spaces for chat until you feel genuinely comfortable.

3. Pick platforms with a track record of good security.
   Ask: Do they encrypt your info? Have they had bad breaches before? How do they handle user privacy? If an app can’t answer—or tries to gloss over these questions—just swipe left.

At OBC, we’re all about keeping things light—but never reckless. For two decades, we’ve prioritized your online privacy and security while helping you connect with singles who want the same drama-free vibe you do. Join OBC today and flirt, chat, or meet—it’s safely casual dating for those who refuse to compromise their peace of mind.