The Big Question with Dating Safely In 2025 Is How???

What Dating Platform Can Be Trusted, And Who Can Be Trusted?

With a new rise in crime on dating apps, dating sites and social media, Shannon, a professional expert on dating and relationships and owner of two leading dating agencies, was asked to participate in a radio show aimed at warning a vulnerable sector of genuine single ladies and men on how best to navigate the risky waters of seeking a partner.  After the Big Shift post-pandemic, many singles have asked themselves why they are wasting time and precious energy swiping for love and now seek more curated connections and human contact. But where and how?

A Curated Personal Dating Service Is the Best Answer

Mandating a personal service matchmaker and agency that offers private, one-on-one introductions to the best prospects for an individual with high standards and a working idea of what they actually seek, can result in an excellent collaboration very effectively with minimal risks.

Of course, singles must also understand WHY they are dating as there are many different agendas involved around dating. There is the genuine yearning for a soulmate, life partner and “forever after”, or there is the choice of a fling and just looking for thrills, not “needing” someone but “would be nice to have a companion or a Friend With Benefits”. Or are they seeking only “an explorationship”, a casual ‘situationship” or a real RELATIONSHIP!!! Or do they have dodgy agendas?

Then there is the dangerous dating style that we find happening with predators and people with nefarious intentions charming others, scamming them out of their hard-earned cash or using them for other gratifications and security. Then we have the sexual predator!!  Sexual assault, rape and even murders, kidnapping and blackmail has become everyday news! How do we even know the difference between a good person and someone with evil intent? The most practiced predators have learnt their script well and know exactly how to dazzle, charm and impress!! Beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing!!! Stay alert, stay sober and stay safe!!

As a dating agency and trusted e-club our members are assured of verification, good honest intent and the knowledge that they are well supported with a proper structure and system to make their dating experience easier – even if dating can be hard work – let it always be safe!!

Avoiding Predators When Dating Safely

The fact remains, unless introduced to a possible “dating interest” by friends, family, colleagues or your own matchmaker, who know the other party, the chances are every high that meeting anybody randomly is extremely risky – a stranger is always an “unknown” until you carefully get to know each other, and trust is one of the first things any contact must establish. Shannon has a list of some ground rules every person can apply.

Updated Tips on Safe Dating

1. Load an app on your phone that gives you Caller ID, like TrueCaller and check that the phone is registered to the person and not a burn phone
2. If you have met on any online platform and your first connection starts with texting, do not fall into the trap of endless WhatsApping – two or three brief conversations are the limit, then insist on meeting face-to-face as soon as possible.
3. If you arrive in separate cars, try to get his registration and take a pic and text it to a friend – just in case.
4. Always meet in the beginning at a familiar and upmarket venue, preferably during the day, and even better, if you are known to the management.
5. Download “follow me” on your phone so friends can track your where-abouts and tell them where you are going so they can keep an eye on you.
6. Never accept an invitation to go to his home or a place you do not know until you really know his full names, where he works (and have checked) and where he hangs out and with whom (there are discreet ways you find this out during the early stages). Of course, your own home is out of bounds!
7. Only drink alcohol you have poured yourself or have seen being opened and poured by a barman or host – never drink when alone with someone you don’t trust yet. The “date rape drug” is very real!!!
8. When out at night make sure it is well lit – avoid dark and dangerous places and stick to places you know.
9. Never get into a vehicle with anybody you don’t know very well!!!
10. Never send someone you don’t know very well any risky or compromising images or reels – this can be a start to all kinds of blackmail.
11. Never ask an unknown person to lend/give/gift you money!! The moment you do this you “belong to them” and this can lead to some serious crimes.
12. Singles events like speed dating and social gatherings are still no guarantee you are meeting someone who can be trusted. If you can, join a club or e-club where members are tagged and recorded.
13. And also, predators and scammers are not always faceless – they may be known to you and may “groom” you into trusting them. Often crimes and sexual assault are committed by people familiar to us.

Undeniably, using a dating agency is the safest route even if there is a recruitment fee – your safety, life and future are worth it, and most agencies will try to accommodate your budget. Discuss your needs and wishes and you may be pleasantly surprised!!