Dating safely

Never send money

Don't send money, airtime, Orange Money or eWallet to someone you haven't met, whatever the story: a sick relative, school fees, a stuck parcel, an "investment". This is the most common dating scam. Report anyone who asks.

Take your time

• Contact details unlock after you've both sent 5 messages. There's no rush to move to WhatsApp.
• Look for the green ✓ Verified tick. It means we checked their Omang or passport and a live video.
• Choose who can contact you. Under Privacy you can allow only verified members, or only people with a profile photo, to like or message you. Scammers rarely get verified.
• Be careful with photos. Even private photos can be screenshotted, and we can't undo that.

Meeting for the first time

• Meet in a busy public place: a mall, restaurant or café.
• Tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you'll be back.
• Get there and home on your own. Don't accept a lift from someone you've just met.
• Stay in control of your drink and your phone.
• If anything feels wrong, leave.

If someone threatens you

If someone threatens to share your photos, or to tell people about your private life, unless you pay or do something: don't pay. Keep the messages, block them, and report them with "Threatening to out me / blackmail". We hide their profile while we look, usually within an hour. If you're in danger, call the police on 999.