Staying Safe Online: Verification, Due Diligence and Avoiding Scams

When meeting people online, especially when the purpose is to explore marriage, it is important to take reasonable precautions and carry out your own due diligence.

We want our members to have a positive and safe experience, but it is also important to be clear about what an online platform can and cannot guarantee.

Are members verified?

We provide an optional identity verification process for members who wish to verify their account.

A member who chooses to complete the verification process is required to provide an official form of identification. The submitted information is reviewed, and if the verification is approved, a verified badge is displayed on the member's profile.

This gives other members an additional indication that the person's identity has been checked through our verification process.

However, verification should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a person is suitable for you, that everything they have told you is true, or that there is no possibility of fraudulent behaviour. It is one additional safety measure, not a substitute for your own judgment and due diligence.

Why isn't every account automatically verified?

Identity verification requires the collection and handling of sensitive personal information.

We take privacy and data protection seriously and therefore do not ask every member to provide unnecessary personal information simply to create an account.

Automatic verification of every member would also require additional resources and a process for securely reviewing identity documents.

For this reason, verification is currently available as an optional service. There is a small fee associated with it because the verification process requires manual review of the submitted documentation.

Do not rely solely on a profile

Even when communicating with a verified member, you should still take reasonable steps to get to know the person.

A verified identity tells you that the person has passed our identity verification process. It does not tell you everything about their character, intentions, circumstances, family situation, or suitability for marriage.

Take your time and ask appropriate questions.

Where appropriate, consider involving trusted family members or other people you trust, particularly as a relationship becomes more serious.

Be cautious with money

One of the most important rules when meeting someone online is:

Never send money to someone simply because they have asked you to.

Be particularly cautious if someone you have recently met:

• asks you for money or financial assistance;
• asks you to pay an urgent bill or debt;
• asks for money to travel or meet you;
• claims they are experiencing an emergency;
• asks you to invest money;
• asks for your bank details or other financial information;
• promises to repay you later; or
• becomes upset, threatening or emotionally manipulative when you refuse.

These can be warning signs of a potential scam.

Protect your personal information

Please be careful about the information you share with someone you have only recently met.

Avoid sharing sensitive information such as:

• passwords;
• banking or card details;
• security codes;
• copies of important documents;
• account recovery information; or
• other information that could be used to access your accounts or impersonate you.

Getting to know someone takes time. There is no need to disclose everything about yourself at the beginning of a conversation.

Watch for unusual behaviour

There is no single sign that proves someone is a scammer. However, certain patterns should make you stop and think.

For example, be cautious if someone:

• quickly declares strong romantic feelings;
• consistently avoids reasonable questions about themselves;
• refuses to communicate through normal channels;
• provides information that repeatedly changes or does not make sense;
• pressures you to make decisions quickly;
• asks you to keep the relationship secret from your family;
• repeatedly has emergencies requiring money; or
• tries to move the conversation away from the platform immediately.

One unusual behaviour does not necessarily mean that someone is dishonest. The important thing is to look at the overall situation and take your time.

Do your own due diligence

Ultimately, every member should take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves about the person they are communicating with.

This could include having appropriate conversations, asking questions, involving trusted family members, and, where appropriate, independently checking information that has been provided.

If marriage is being seriously considered, it may also be appropriate to involve families or trusted people who can help both parties make informed decisions.

If something doesn't feel right

Trust your instincts.

If someone is pressuring you, asking for money, requesting sensitive information, or behaving in a way that concerns you, you do not have to continue communicating with them.

You can stop the conversation and report the account if you believe the person is behaving improperly or attempting to scam others.

A final reminder

Our goal is to provide a platform that makes it easier for people to connect, while respecting their privacy.

We provide tools such as optional identity verification to add an additional layer of confidence, but no online platform can guarantee that every person you meet will be genuine or suitable for you.

Please take your time, protect your personal information, never send money to someone you have met online without independently verifying the situation, and involve trusted people when appropriate.

Your safety is a shared responsibility. We will continue to provide tools and guidance to help members use the platform responsibly, and we encourage every member to remain vigilant and carry out their own due diligence.