Safe Dating Guidelines

Online Safety

Never Send Money or Your Banking Information

Never send money, especially via wire transfer, even if someone says they're in an emergency. A wire transfer isn't much different from sending cash—it's rarely possible to cancel the transaction or track where the money went. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts with anyone. If other users ask you for money, report it to us immediately.

Want to know how to avoid scammers on dating sites? The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has published recommendations on their website that can help keep you safe.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share your personal information with strangers, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (for example, that you go to a specific gym every Monday). If you have children, try not to talk about them in your profile or early in communication. Don't share your children's names, what school they attend, or their age and gender.

Keep Communication on the Platform

While you're still getting to know someone, keep all communication on the Fateda platform. Scammers typically try to move to SMS, messaging apps, email, or phone calls right away.

Be Careful with Users Who Live Far from You, Such as Users from Other Countries

Beware of scammers: they may pose as your compatriots who are somehow far away and need financial help to return home. Be cautious with people who don't want to meet in person or communicate via phone/video call: they may not be who they claim to be. It should be a red flag if someone avoids answering questions or insists on a serious relationship before you've met or gotten to know each other better.

Report Suspicious or Offensive Behavior

Let us know if you think someone has crossed the line. Report and block people who violate our service rules. Here are just some examples of violations:

• Requesting money or donations
• User is underage
• Harassment, threats, or offensive messages
• Inappropriate behavior or harm during or after an in-person meeting
• Fake profiles
• Spam or commercial solicitations, including links to commercial websites, or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any suspicious activity in a profile or during messaging here. Read more about this in our Community Guidelines.

Protect Your Account

Choose a strong password and always be cautious when logging into your account on computers in public places or used by multiple people. Fateda never requests your username and password via email. Report it to us immediately if you receive an email requesting your credentials.

In-Person Meetings

Take Your Time

Take time to get to know your new acquaintance better before meeting and communicating outside of Fateda. Don't be afraid to ask questions: this way you can quickly identify red flags or realize that this person isn't right for you. One way to filter out unwanted connections is to have a phone or video call before meeting.

Meet and Stay in Public Places

Meet in busy public places for the first few times. Never meet at your place or your new acquaintance's home, or in other isolated locations. If someone insists on going somewhere private, leave the date.

Tell Your Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member about your plans, specifically when and where you're going. Charge your phone and always keep it with you.

Plan Your Transportation

Our advice: plan your route to and from the meeting place so you can leave the date at any time. If you're driving yourself, it's still good to have a backup plan. As an option, you can download a rideshare app or arrange with a friend to pick you up.

Know Your Limits

Be sure to consider how drugs and alcohol affect you personally. Their use can dull your alertness and impair your ability to think clearly. If on a date you're pressured to take drugs or drink more than you want, don't give in and leave the meeting.

Don't Leave Your Drinks and Personal Belongings Unattended

Watch where your drinks are poured and never leave your glass unattended. Only agree to drink if the drink is poured and served directly by the bartender or server. Many substances that are added to drinks for date rape have no smell, color, or taste. Always keep your phone, bag, wallet, and other items that may contain your personal information with you.

If Something Feels Wrong—Leave

If something makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to end the date. In fact, you should do so. Ask the bartender or server for help if you feel something is wrong or you're being threatened.

Traveling Under the Rainbow Flag

Be Careful When Traveling

We believe that everyone has the right to any gender identity and sexual orientation, but the reality is that the world is full of places where people with non-traditional views are in danger for demonstrating their beliefs, and in some countries such people are persecuted by law.

When visiting a new country, don't forget to familiarize yourself with local laws and find out what types of legal protection are available to you regarding your sexual orientation. If you're in an area where you may be in danger, we recommend turning off the "Show me on Fateda" feature in your profile settings.

If you've indicated your sexual orientation in your profile and enabled information about yourself in Fateda, we will hide information about your sexual orientation until you leave the unsafe area.

Therefore, you need to be very careful, especially when meeting new people in such countries: there have been cases where law enforcement officers have used dating apps to find and detain people with non-traditional views. In addition, some countries have recently passed laws that prohibit communication in apps or on sites for same-sex dating and provide for punishment if such communication leads to sexual contact.

The ILGA World association website regularly publishes updates on sexual orientation laws by country. You can support the organization with a donation.

Source: ILGA World association, last updated — March 2019

Sexual Health and Consent

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms significantly reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs, including HIV. However, there are other STIs (such as herpes and HPV) that are transmitted through skin contact. The risk of contracting some types of sexually transmitted diseases can be reduced through vaccination.

Know Your Status

Some STIs are asymptomatic, so don't rely on luck—get tested regularly. By taking care of your health, you prevent further spread of STIs. You can find the nearest clinic to get tested on this website (for U.S. residents only).

Talk About It

Open communication is key to success. Before becoming intimate with a partner, discuss sexual health and STI testing. It's also important to understand that in some countries, knowingly spreading sexually transmitted infections is a crime. Don't know where to start the conversation? You can find some ideas here.

Consent

Any sexual activity should only occur with your partner's consent. You should agree on boundaries. When communicating in person, you can make sure that you and your partner are ready to respect each other's boundaries. You can say no at any time. You don't owe anyone anything. Stop if your partner is uncomfortable, uncertain, or unable to think clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You can read more about this topic here.

If You Need Help, Support, or Advice

And remember: even if you've taken all the precautions listed above, you can't completely eliminate risk. If you've had a bad experience, know that it's not your fault, and you can always seek help. You can report all incidents to Fateda staff, as well as contact the centers listed below. Call 911 (for U.S. and Canadian residents) or another emergency number if you're in danger or need immediate assistance.

If you don't live in the U.S.:

Additional resources are listed here, available in countries where our service operates.

Here you'll find information collected by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) on world laws regarding sexual orientation.