7 Ways to Keep Your Senior Mother Safe When She Is Online Dating
Online dating can be an exciting and rewarding experience for seniors, but it also presents several potential risks. While many seniors may find companionship and even love through online dating, some must beware of these platforms’ dangers. In this regard, adult children and other family members of seniors need to be aware of what is going on when a senior decides to participate in online dating. There are seven common dangers associated with online dating for seniors that older individuals and their adult children need to be on guard for throughout the digital dating process:
- Catfishing
- Fraud
- Stalking
- Data mining
- Harassment
- Psychological impact
- Physical safety
Catfishing
Catfishing is when someone creates a false identity online to mislead or scam another person. This scam is especially prevalent on dating sites and can be incredibly damaging to unsuspecting seniors who may already feel lonely and vulnerable. Always remain vigilant regarding interactions with people you meet online, as catfishers are often skilled in manipulating victims into trusting them. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is not what it seems. It is very important that a senior only give out personal information once that person is certain that the person they met online is whom they say they are.
Fraud
Senior citizens are a popular target for fraudulent activities such as identity theft, phishing scams, and other types of financial exploitation. Online dating makes it easier for fraudsters to access their victim’s bank accounts or credit cards by convincing them to send money or provide sensitive information like Social Security numbers or account numbers. It’s important to be aware of any suspicious activity and never do anything that would compromise your security or financial stability.
Stalking
It is not uncommon for scammers or predators to use online dating services as an avenue for stalking their victims. This can include sending unwanted messages or gifts, tracking down personal information about the victim through social media accounts, or infiltrating private conversations between two people by posing as one of them (known as catfishing, as discussed a moment ago). Seniors should consider blocking users from contacting them if they feel uncomfortable with any communication from someone else on the platform.
Data Mining
Just as banks collect data about their customers’ spending habits to better target marketing campaigns at them, some online dating services may also collect data about users to improve matchmaking results or target ads more effectively at certain people based on their interests or demographic profile. While this practice isn’t necessarily malicious, it makes seniors more vulnerable if their data falls into the wrong hands due to a security breach. Criminals could potentially use that information against them in various ways, such as identity theft or fraud schemes targeting elderly individuals specifically.
Harassment
People who join online dating services sometimes face harassment from other users. This can occur for several reasons, including when seniors involved in online dating refuse requests for dates or turn down matches suggested by the service. In some cases, this harassment can take a very serious form, such as verbal threats and physical violence, which could put senior citizens at risk if they choose not to respond favorably to someone making advances towards them via an online platform like a dating site or app.
Psychological Impact
Online dating can cause emotional distress among seniors who enter into relationships over the internet without actually meeting the person first before committing themselves emotionally. The lack of face-to-face interaction means there isn’t any real way for either party involved in these types of relationships to know whether there’s any lasting chemistry between them until after considerable time has passed. This uncertainty can make seniors feel depressed and anxious about their relationship status. This can potentially adversely affect a senior’s emotional or mental well-being.
Physical Safety
Meeting up with someone in person from an online platform carries risks. For example, the possibility does exist that the other person could have some ill intention. In a moment, we provide some important tactics to use if a senior decides to meet a person from an online dating service in person.
Five Strategies for a Senior to Employ When Meeting a Person From an Online Dating Service in Person
Meeting someone online can be an exciting experience, but it is important always to be aware of the potential risks. As a senior, it is even more vital to take extra precautions when meeting someone in person from an online source. Here are five key strategies to ensure your safety:
- Be certain that someone knows you will connect with someone you met online. This other individual needs to know when and where the meeting will occur. A specific check-in time must be set between you and this other individual.
- Make sure you meet in a public place. Always choose a spot with plenty of people, like a busy restaurant or cafe. This will reduce the chances of any harm coming to you by ensuring that others are nearby who could help in an emergency. Additionally, let your friends and family know where you will be and when so they can check up on you if necessary.
- Have your own transportation and stay sober. Arrange your own ride to and from the location so that you can control when and how you leave the area.
- Bring a cell phone. It is best to have a phone with you at all times just in case of emergency situations or if things don’t go as planned with the individual that has been met online. Also, carry items like pepper spray or mace, providing extra protection if needed.
- Use caution when sharing personal information. Be mindful of what information is shared about yourself during the conversation and afterward through social media platforms. Even though getting familiar with someone is part of getting to know them better, identity theft could occur if sensitive information, such as bank detail, is given too early in the relationship.