Safety Tips
Your safety is our priority. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself while dating online.
Your Safety Matters
While we work hard to keep our platform safe, your vigilance is the best protection. Follow these tips to ensure a positive and secure experience.
The Golden Rules
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
Keep personal information private until you build trust
Always meet in public places for first dates
Tell a friend or family member about your plans
Protect Your Personal Information
Guard Your Privacy
Don't share your full name, home address, workplace, phone number, or email address until you've built trust.
Use WAM's Messaging
Keep conversations on WAM initially. This protects your contact details and keeps a record if issues arise.
Be Cautious with Social Media
Don't link your dating profile to your social media. Someone can learn a lot about you from your presence there.
Watch What You Share in Photos
Avoid photos that reveal identifying information like licence plates, address numbers, or workplace logos.
Spot the Red Flags
Too Good to Be True
Excessive flattery, declarations of love very quickly, or profiles that seem perfect might be scams or catfishing attempts.
Inconsistent Stories
Pay attention if someone's story doesn't add up or changes over time. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
Avoiding Video Calls
Be suspicious if someone always has excuses for not video chatting or meeting in person after weeks of conversation.
Sob Stories
Beware of tales of emergencies, family crises, or financial difficulties — especially if they hint at needing money.
Pressure to Move Fast
Scammers often try to move conversations off the platform quickly or pressure you to meet before you're ready.
Requesting Money
This is the biggest red flag. No legitimate romantic interest will ask for money, no matter how compelling their story.
Meeting in Person Safely
Choose Public Places
Always meet in busy, public locations like cafes, restaurants, or shopping centres. Avoid private or isolated locations.
Arrange Your Own Transportation
Drive yourself or use your own transport. Never accept rides from someone you just met or let them know where you live.
Tell Someone Your Plans
Share your date details with a trusted person — who you're meeting, where, and when you expect to be home.
Stay Alert
Keep a clear head on first dates. Don't accept drinks you didn't see poured and never leave your drink unattended.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel uncomfortable at any point, it's okay to end the date early. Your safety is more important than being polite.
Meet During Daytime
Consider meeting during daylight hours for first dates — it adds an extra layer of comfort.
Online Communication Safety
Take Your Time
Don't feel rushed to share personal details or meet in person. Take time to get to know someone through the platform first.
Video Chat First
Before meeting in person, have a video call to verify they're who they claim to be.
Do Your Research
It's okay to do a quick online search. Use reverse image searches on photos to check if they're stolen from elsewhere.
Watch for Love Bombing
Be cautious of overwhelming attention, constant messaging, or rushed emotional intimacy. Healthy relationships develop naturally.
Financial Safety
Never Send Money
No matter the reason — emergency, travel, medical — never send money to someone you've met online.
No Gift Cards or Wire Transfers
These are common scam methods because they're untraceable. Legitimate romantic interests don't ask for financial help.
Protect Financial Information
Never share bank account numbers, credit card details, or access to financial accounts.
Investment Schemes
Be wary of anyone offering investment opportunities or cryptocurrency schemes, especially promising high returns.
If You Feel Unsafe
If you're in immediate danger, contact emergency services:
- Emergency: 000 (Australia)
- Police Non-Emergency: 131 444
For platform safety concerns, use our reporting tools or email safety@wam.au
How We Keep You Safe
Profile Verification
We verify user identities to reduce fake profiles and catfishing attempts.
Active Monitoring
Our safety team monitors the platform to detect and act on suspicious activity.
Easy Reporting
Report concerning behaviour with one tap. We investigate every report promptly.
Privacy Controls
Control who can see your profile, your photos, and what information you share.
Additional Resources
Report scams and learn about the latest scam trends in Australia
National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line
Mental health support and resources
Have Safety Concerns?
Our safety team is here to help. Report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
Contact Safety Team