Online dating can feel like navigating the unknown. In fact, around 40 million Americans use dating apps, but with this popularity comes risk: up to one in seven dating profiles may be fake, and nearly one in three users report being catfished within a year. On average, romance scams now cost Americans over $1.3 billion annually. Bustr urges every dater to take strong measures to safeguard their privacy and to practice safe online dating. By understanding online dating safety practices and using Bustr’s built-in security features (like AI profile checks and video verification), you can build private, trusted connections without compromising your safety.
How To Stay Safe On Dating Apps – Bustr Calls for Protecting Yourself Away From Scams
Chat with Verified User: Focus your matches on users who have completed verification. Bustr’s AI and video-check system means verified users are more likely to be genuine. If someone hasn’t verified, consider it a warning sign.
Keep Chats on the Dating App: Communicate using the dating app’s built-in messenger. Scammers often pressure people to move chats off-platform (to WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, etc.). Don’t do this – staying on the dating app (like Bustr) lets you report issues and maintains digital safety.
Guard Your Personal Info: Never share sensitive data like your private part, phone number, address or financial details. Remember, a dating app explicitly bans posting contact info in profiles, so neither should you. Think twice before giving out personal details in chat.
Spot and Avoid Scams: Watch for common red flags. Requests for money or gift cards are almost certainly scams. If someone quickly professes love, asks to meet urgently, lure you to a third-party platform or refuses to video chat, be cautious – these are typical tactics. You can even use Google’s reverse-image search on profile photos to verify identity. Slow down and question anything that feels off.
Use Privacy Settings: Bustr only shares minimal info by default. Take advantage of any privacy settings: hide your profile from certain users, control who can message you, etc. This limits exposure of your activity. Always review what parts of your profile are visible – the less personal data publicly shown, the safer you are.
Report & Block: If a user behaves inappropriately, harasses you, or shows other rule-breaking conduct, block and report them immediately. Rapid reporting helps keep the platform clean and protects other users as well.
Meet Safely in Person: When it’s time to meet offline, plan carefully. Always choose a public, well-lit place, and let a trusted friend know where you’re going. Share your live location if possible. Go into the date with a clear exit plan and stay sober enough to trust your instincts. It’s okay to cut the date short if something feels wrong. These simple steps can keep you safe while transitioning an online match to real life.
How Does Bustr Maintain A Dating Environment For Dater?
Bustr ensures that plus-size singles feel comfortable, safe, and included in a judgment-free dating environment. The app enforces strict community guidelines, actively banning harassment and hateful behavior to keep the space positive. If you do encounter an inappropriate message or someone breaking the rules, Bustr encourages you to report it – a dedicated safety team reviews all reports and acts swiftly. The reported users may be deleted or banned for multiple reports or blocks. This body-positive, well-moderated atmosphere means you can focus on genuine connections rather than worry about abuse.
Bustr stands out with powerful profile verification tools. The app’s own description highlights “AI-powered profile verification” to ensure you’re meeting real people. In practice, Bustr offers optional video verification: you can complete a short in-app video check or ask matches for a quick live video chat to confirm their identity. This significantly reduces catfishing. According to Bustr staff, their video verification “helps to verify identity as well as reduce the risk of catfishing”. In fact, industry data shows that requiring face/video checks works: when Tinder introduced mandatory facial verification, they saw a 40% drop in reported scammers. In short, insisting on verified profiles means you only connect with authentic users.
Protecting your privacy on Bustr is easy by design. Only your first name, age, and a rough distance are shown on other users’ profiles, and no sensitive details are revealed. Importantly, Bustr’s rules forbid posting any personal contact info in profiles: no phone numbers, emails, street addresses or social media links are allowed. This means scammers have fewer ways to target you. Keep conversations within Bustr’s chat, since any request to switch to email or another messenger is often a red flag. The combination of limited profile data and Bustr’s video checks helps ensure that even before you meet, you’re communicating in a secure, privacy-focused space.
Online dating scams are common, but with vigilance and the right precautions, they can be avoided. By following the above tips and leveraging Bustr’s features, you’ll be set up for secure matchmaking and private, trusted connections. Date confidently, stay aware, and let Bustr handle the rest of your safety so you can focus on finding that special someone.
See our past essay about Safe Online Dating for more details!
Related blogs: Beyond Fetishization: A BBW’s Empowering Guide to Safer, Authentic Dating Apps & How to Stay Safe on BBW Dating Apps: Privacy Controls, Voice Chat, and Report Policies
Stay tuned and follow us for APP updates!