Reporting a concern

If someone you are talking to is making you feel uncomfortable cease your communication with them and report them to the dating service provider or the police immediately. All ODA members have reporting arrangements to deal with any concerns you may have.

As an industry we are keen to encourage anyone who has experienced inappropriate behaviour to seek support from the police or public and charitable bodies who are experts in this area. Please see the links below:

  • Action Fraud is the national reporting agency for fraud routing cases to the Police locally and nationally and issuing crime numbers.
  • SARC offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
  • Links to other support agencies can be found here.

Advice and Tips for Dating Safely Online

Date Safe

We want your dating experience to be fun, enjoyable and safe. Follow our tips for a safe and great experience.

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Avoiding scams

Millions go online as a start point to new relationships, whether serious or more casual. Our safety advice will help you stay date safe.

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Data & Privacy

This guide flags the most relevant consumer protection laws, regulations and Codes, and sets out what is considered good practice in terms of dating services.

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Be a good friend to an online dater

We can all use a little help, support and advice from friends and family when trying a dating app or service for the first time, and later too.

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Choosing a dating service

It’s not for the ODDA to point people towards particular services, but we hope our advice helps you in a choosing a service.

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Understanding dating subscriptions

Check out our top tips for understanding and managing your subscription.

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Complaints

All ODA members should have effective and appropriate arrangements in place to deal with complaints and enquiries.

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Sexual Health & Wellbeing

There is a limit to the advice a dating service or trade body might think it appropriate and necessary to give over sexual matters.

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Useful links

Organisations offering advice and support for online and personal safety

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FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we see about online dating.

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