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The dangers of dating online

6.3 Million adult Texans have experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetime

ABILENE, Texas — According to RAINN, Rape, abuse, incest network, more than 40 million Americans use online dating services or dating apps.

But whether you are meeting online or offline there is a few steps you can take to keep yourself from being a victim of sexual assault/ violence.

“You need to be mindful of who your talking to you need to be mindful of the things that your sharing online. Posting things on your profile ..and especially making sure you turn off your locations, everyone doesn’t need to know where you are” said Fiona Smith, Prevention Director, Noah Project.

Courtesy of RAINN:

The list below offers a few examples of some common stories or suspicious behaviors scammers may use to build trust and sympathy so they can manipulate another user in an unhealthy way.

Asks for financial assistance in any way, often because of a sudden personal crisis

Claims to be from the United States but is currently living, working, or traveling abroad

Claims to be recently widowed with children

Disappears suddenly from the site then reappears under a different name

Gives vague answers to specific questions

Overly complimentary and romantic too early in your communication

Pressures you to provide your phone number or talk outside the dating app or site

Requests your home or work address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts

Tells inconsistent or grandiose stories

Uses disjointed language and grammar, but has a high level of education

Examples of user behavior you may want to report can include:

Requests financial assistance

Requests photographs

Is a minor

Sends harassing or offensive messages

Attempts to threaten or intimidate you in any way

Seems to have created a fake profile

Tries to sell you products or services

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