OurTime Safety Tips: Stay Safe Dating Online After 50

Understanding Online Dating Risks

While OurTime is a reputable platform with safety measures, it's important to understand potential risks. Mature singles are often targeted by scammers who perceive them as having accumulated wealth and being more trusting. However, with proper precautions, you can enjoy safe and successful online dating.

Common risks include:

Romance scams and financial fraud
Identity theft
Catfishing (fake profiles)
Privacy breaches
Personal safety concerns during meetings

Profile Privacy Settings

What Information to Keep Private

Never share: Full name, specific address, workplace details
Be vague about: Neighborhood (city/area only), financial status
Avoid showing: House numbers, license plates, work badges in photos
Use generic email: Create separate email for dating, not your primary
Phone number: Wait until trust is established before sharing

Photo Safety

Remove GPS metadata from photos before uploading
Avoid photos showing identifiable locations
Don't use same photos on other social media (reverse image search risk)
Blur friends' faces if they haven't consented
Update privacy settings to control who sees your profile

Recognizing Romance Scams

Common Red Flags

Too perfect too quickly: Professions of love within days/weeks
Overseas location: Claims to be working abroad, military deployment
Financial requests: Any request for money, gift cards, or financial help
Communication platform changes: Immediate pressure to move off OurTime to email/text
Vague personal details: Inconsistent or evasive about life circumstances
Photo inconsistencies: Reverse image search reveals stock photos or someone else
Can't video chat: Always has excuses for not video calling
Sob stories: Tragic circumstances requiring your financial help

Common Scam Scenarios

The Military Romance: Claims to be deployed overseas, needs money for emergency leave or communication
The Business Emergency: Traveling for work, gets robbed/stuck and needs money
The Medical Crisis: They or family member has emergency medical needs
The Travel Trap: Wants to visit you but needs money for travel expenses
The Investment Opportunity: Promises to help you invest or manage money

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

Immediately stop communication
Never send money or financial information
Report the profile to OurTime
Report to FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Block the user on all platforms
Warn friends/family if they've gained personal information

Messaging Safety

Early Communication Guidelines

Stay on platform initially: Use OurTime messaging for first 4-6 exchanges
Gradual information sharing: Build trust before sharing personal details
Video chat before meeting: Verify identity through video call
Google their details: Search names, phone numbers, photos
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is

Warning Signs in Messages

Excessive flattery or love-bombing
Grammatical errors suggesting automated or foreign messages
Requests for explicit photos
Pressure to make decisions quickly
Avoidance of specific questions about their life

Meeting in Person Safely

Before the First Date

Verify identity: Video chat at minimum, verify photos are current
Google search: Look up their name, phone number, email
Share details: Tell friend/family member where, when, and who
Plan exit strategy: Have your own transportation
Choose public location: Well-lit, populated venues

First Date Safety Checklist

Meet during daytime hours
Choose familiar public location (coffee shop, restaurant)
Drive yourself (never have them pick you up)
Tell someone where you'll be and check in after
Keep phone charged and accessible
Limit alcohol consumption
Stay in public areas throughout date
Don't leave drinks unattended
Trust your instincts—leave if uncomfortable

Red Flags During First Meeting

Looks significantly different from photos
Inconsistent information from profile/messages
Pressures you to go somewhere private
Becomes angry or aggressive
Asks for money or financial information
Tries to isolate you from public areas

Financial Protection

Never Send Money

Legitimate romantic interests never ask for money
Never wire money or send gift cards
Don't cosign loans or provide financial guarantees
Avoid investment schemes or business opportunities
Keep financial information completely private

Protecting Your Assets

Don't discuss wealth, assets, or income
Maintain separate bank accounts
Consult financial advisor before major decisions
Consider prenuptial agreements if relationship progresses
Be wary of quick marriage proposals (inheritance scams)

Identity Theft Prevention

Information to Protect

Social Security number
Bank account numbers
Credit card information
Date of birth
Mother's maiden name
Password information
Tax information

If You Suspect Identity Theft

Place fraud alert on credit reports
Review credit reports for suspicious activity
File report with IdentityTheft.gov
Contact local police
Notify banks and financial institutions

Technology Safety

Device Security

Use strong, unique passwords for OurTime account
Enable two-factor authentication when available
Keep app and operating system updated
Don't use public Wi-Fi for dating app access
Log out after each session on shared devices
Be cautious of links sent in messages

Protecting Personal Information

Create separate email address for online dating
Use Google Voice number instead of personal phone
Adjust social media privacy settings
Don't connect dating profile to Facebook if sharing personal details
Regularly review app permissions

Emotional Safety

Setting Boundaries

Don't feel obligated to continue conversations that make you uncomfortable
It's okay to unmatch or block users
Take breaks when dating feels overwhelming
Don't share emotional vulnerabilities too quickly
Respect your own timeline for relationship progression

Recognizing Manipulation

Love-bombing: Excessive affection and attention too early
Guilt-tripping: Making you feel bad for boundaries
Gaslighting: Denying your reality or making you question yourself
Isolation attempts: Discouraging connections with friends/family
Pressure tactics: Rushing intimacy or commitment

Reporting and Blocking

When to Report

Requests for money or financial information
Threatening or abusive behavior
Suspected fake profiles or catfishing
Inappropriate sexual content
Spam or commercial solicitation
Anyone making you uncomfortable

How to Report on OurTime

Click the three-dot menu on their profile
Select "Report" and choose reason
Provide specific details about concerning behavior
Block the user to prevent further contact
Screenshot evidence before reporting

Resources and Support

If You've Been Victimized

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov
Local police department: File report
AARP Fraud Watch Network: For mature victims
Counseling services: For emotional support

OurTime Support

Help center: Access through app or website
Safety tips: Review OurTime's safety resources
Customer service: Contact for serious concerns
Community guidelines: Familiarize yourself with rules

Best Practices Summary

Trust your instincts—they're usually right
Never send money to online connections
Verify identity before meeting
Meet in public places during first dates
Tell someone about your dates
Keep personal information private initially
Take your time building trust
Report suspicious behavior immediately
Maintain financial independence
Stay alert but optimistic

Conclusion

While these safety guidelines may seem overwhelming, they become second nature with practice. The vast majority of OurTime users are genuine people seeking authentic connections. By following these safety protocols, you can date with confidence while protecting yourself from potential risks. Remember: legitimate matches will respect your boundaries and never pressure you to compromise your safety.

OurTime Safety Tips: Complete Guide to Safe Online Dating After 50