Online Dating Risks and How to Avoid Them

Avoid Long-Distance Relationships That Seem Too Good to Be True – While it’s great to be open to connections, be cautious with long-distance relationships, especially those originating from other countries. Many scammers specifically target these situations because it’s easier to manipulate someone who cannot easily verify their identity in person. If a person always has an excuse for not meeting or starts requesting money due to a so-called emergency, run the other way. My book, "The Art of Smart Decision-Making", discusses how to make wise choices in all aspects of life, including relationships.

Guard Your Personal Information Like a Treasure – It’s natural to want to share details about yourself with someone you feel a connection with, but be mindful of how much personal information you reveal. Avoid sharing your home address, phone number, or financial details until you fully trust someone. If they pressure you to provide this information early on, consider it a red flag. Scammers thrive on manipulating emotions to gain access to personal data, which they can then use for fraud. For more insights on protecting yourself, check out my blog post on "How to Master Emotional Intelligence".

Pay Attention to Their Words and How They Say Them – Scammers often struggle to keep their stories straight. They might tell you one thing today and another tomorrow, hoping you won’t notice. Pay attention to inconsistencies and trust your intuition. If something feels off, it probably is. There’s wisdom in taking your time to assess people’s words before emotionally investing in them. If you want to learn more about how to sharpen your discernment, my book "Unlocking the Power of Your Mind" is a great resource.

Watch Actions More Than Words – It’s easy for people to say the right things, but do their actions align with their words? If they keep making excuses about meeting in person, seem overly secretive, or act suspiciously, they may not be who they claim to be. One of the biggest mistakes in online dating is ignoring gut instincts. As I often emphasize in my books, trust what you see, not just what you hear. Read this blog post on how to avoid deception in different aspects of life.

Always Have a Video Call Before Meeting – One simple way to verify if someone is who they claim to be is by video calling them. If they refuse, give excuses, or always have “technical issues,” consider that a major red flag. Scammers often use stolen pictures and fake profiles, and a quick video call can expose them instantly. My book, "Mastering the Mind for Success", delves deeper into how to assess people’s true intentions using psychology.

Reverse Image Search Their Photos – You can use tools like TinEye or Google Reverse Image Search to check if their pictures appear elsewhere on the internet. Scammers rarely use their real photos, so if the same image appears on multiple profiles with different names, you know something is wrong. This simple step can save you from heartbreak and financial loss. For more self-protection tips, explore my blog section on personal security.

Meet in Person Quickly in a Safe Public Place – If you feel a strong connection with someone, don’t postpone meeting them in person. However, always meet in a well-lit, public area where there are other people around. If they hesitate, make excuses, or suggest secluded locations, that’s a major red flag. Many people waste months emotionally investing in a fake persona, only to realize too late that they were being manipulated. My guide on mental resilience will help you develop the inner strength to handle such situations.

Trust Your Instincts – They Are God-Given – If something feels off about a person, trust that feeling. The Holy Spirit often warns us in subtle ways, and ignoring that inner nudge can lead to regret. If someone’s behavior makes you uneasy, do not rationalize it away. Protect your energy and time. I talk more about this in my book on spiritual discernment, which is essential for both business and personal relationships.

Report and Block Suspicious Users – If you come across a scammer, report them to the dating platform so others won’t fall victim. It’s also wise to block them immediately to avoid their attempts at manipulation. Some scammers will try different tactics, such as guilt-tripping or playing the victim, to keep you engaged. Don’t entertain them. Learn how to set strong personal boundaries in my book "Winning the Inner Battle".

Conclusion: Be Wise and Stay Safe – Online dating is neither good nor bad—it’s simply a tool. It’s how you use it that determines the outcome. By applying wisdom, staying cautious, and trusting your instincts, you can enjoy online dating while minimizing risks. Most importantly, always prioritize self-respect and emotional well-being over temporary companionship. If you’re serious about building a meaningful and safe connection, invest in knowledge. Check out my full collection of books and blogs at KeithMuoki.com for more insights on personal growth and decision-making.