Safe Dating Advice

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

Don’t send money—especially by wire transfer—even if someone says they’re in an emergency. Wire transfers are like cash: hard to reverse or trace. Never share details that could give access to your bank or accounts. If someone asks you for money, report them in the app or email support@otterhalf.app.

For more on romance scams, see the FTC’s guide to online dating scams.

Protect Your Personal Information

Don’t share your address, work details, or daily routine (e.g. where you go to the gym) with people you haven’t met. If you’re a parent, limit what you share about your kids on your profile and in early messages—names, schools, ages, etc.

Stay on the App While You Get to Know Someone

Keep the conversation on OtterHalf at first. We have safeguards on the platform; people who want to avoid that sometimes push to move to text, email, or phone right away. There’s no need to rush off the app.

Watch Out for Long-Distance or Overseas Red Flags

Be skeptical of anyone who says they’re from your area but are “stuck” abroad and need money to get home. Be wary if they won’t meet in person or do a real phone or video call. If they dodge questions or push for a serious commitment before you’ve met, that’s a warning sign.

Report Suspicious or Offensive Behavior

If someone crosses the line, tell us. Report from their profile (tap the three dots → Report) or from the chat, or email support@otterhalf.app. Examples we take seriously:

• Asking for money or donations
• Underage users
• Harassment, threats, or offensive messages
• Bad behavior during or after an in-person meetup
• Fake or misleading profiles
• Spam, ads, or links to sell stuff

More in our Community Guidelines.

Protect Your Account

Use a strong password and be careful on shared or public devices. OtterHalf will never email you asking for your password. If you use phone-number login, never give your SMS code to anyone—no real OtterHalf flow will ask for it elsewhere.

Take Your Time

Get to know the person before meeting or moving off the app. Ask questions and pay attention to red flags. A phone or video call before meeting can help you feel more comfortable.

Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Choose a busy, public place for the first few dates—not your place or theirs. If they push to go somewhere private, leave.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Let a friend or family member know when and where you’re going. Keep your phone charged and on you.

Control Your Own Ride

Use your own ride or a ride-share so you can leave whenever you want. Have a backup plan (another ride or a friend who can pick you up) if needed.

Know Your Limits

Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment. If your date pressures you to drink or use more than you’re okay with, leave.

Watch Your Drink and Belongings

Accept drinks only from the bartender or server. Keep your drink in sight. Many drugs used to spike drinks are odorless and colorless. Keep your phone, wallet, and bag with you.

If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave

You can end a date early. If something feels off or unsafe, get to a staff member or leave.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Laws and risks for LGBTQ+ people vary by country. Before traveling, check local laws and protections. In places where it’s unsafe, consider logging out or removing the OtterHalf app while you’re there.

In some countries, law enforcement has used dating apps in ways that put users at risk, and same-sex communication or contact can be criminalized. ILGA World has maps of sexual orientation laws by country.

Protect Yourself

Condoms, used correctly and consistently, can reduce the risk of many STIs, including HIV. Some infections (e.g. herpes, HPV) can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can lower the risk for some STIs—see ASHA.

Know Your Status

Many STIs don’t show obvious symptoms. Get tested regularly. In the US you can find a testing site near you.

Talk About It

Before you’re physically intimate, talk about sexual health and testing. In some places it’s illegal to knowingly pass an STI. For conversation tips, see Planned Parenthood.

Consent

Consent is required and can be withdrawn anytime. Check in with your partner. Don’t continue if they seem unsure or uncomfortable, or if they can’t consent because of drugs or alcohol. More: RAINN – What is consent?