Stay safe before swiping right: Safety tips for dating apps

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - With the growing popularity of dating apps, more and more Americans are looking to find love online. 30% of Americans claim they used some sort of dating app. From Bumble to Tender, the internet can be a great way to meet new people, but you need to make sure to stay safe.

When creating your profile, be careful not to post photos showing where you live or places you visit frequently.

"The photos are great," said Lt. Jennifer Charleston of the Springfield Police Department. "That's how you get to know that person to find out what their hobbies and interests are. Make sure you know what's in the background. Don't put anything that identifies your home address. Different places that you frequent a lot that are personal, say a friend, a family's home. This way it just doesn't give them that information and you keep it private so you don't become a target.

It's a good idea to turn off location on your phone when taking photos so the information isn't saved in the image details.

When connecting with someone online, it's a good idea to keep the correspondence on the app you're using. Don't give out your phone number or move the conversation to another app.

"In those pen pal conversations you have, make sure you don't give out any personal information, ie social security numbers, your date of birth, where you live, any of those addresses you hang out with friends, and family," Charleston said. "If they're pushing for it, it's a red flag. They don't need to know this information right away. They try to get to know you as a person and your personality.

Never share financial information or send money to anyone you meet online. Often, if someone asks for money, he takes advantage of it.

"If they start pushing and talking about finances, that's a big red flag," Charleston said. "If they ask for money and want you to transfer it to them in an emergency. Often we have had frauds this way. "

When you go on a date, meet the other person in a public place and use your own transportation. That way, if the date doesn't go well, you can leave at any time.

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