Dating safely

Practical tips for every step, and the official resources to keep handy. In an emergency, call 911, in Canada and in the US.

Before you meet

• Keep the conversation in the app until you know the person: that's where reporting and blocking work.
• Don't share your home address, workplace or banking details.
• Check that the profile shows "Verified profile". A reverse image search on a photo can reveal a fake profile.
• Be wary of someone who always avoids meeting, or declares their love very quickly without having met you.

The first date

• Pick a busy public place: a café, a market, a museum. Our city pages have ideas.
• Get there and back on your own: transit, taxi or your own car. Don't get into a match's car on a first date.
• Tell someone you trust: who, where, and when you'll be back. Clockit helps you do it from the chat.
• Keep your drink in sight, and only drink what feels right.
• You can leave anytime, without explaining. Your gut is always right.

Consent

Consent is a clear yes, freely given, that can be taken back at any time. Silence or a "maybe" is not a yes. It's the first promise of the Clockit pact.

Spotting a romance scam

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the US Federal Trade Commission describe the same signs: a quick declaration of love, a request to move to another messaging app, excuses never to meet, then an urgent need for money or a crypto "investment". Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.

Afterwards, or if something feels wrong

• Block or report in two taps, from the profile or the chat. The person isn't told you reported them.
• Our team reviews every report, and keeps what it needs to decide even if the other person deletes their account.
• You can also email us: [email protected].

Official resources

In Canada

• Emergency : Call 911.
• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline : Call or text 9-8-8, anywhere in Canada, day or night.
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre : Relationship and romance fraud: signs and reporting. 1-888-495-8501.
• Family violence helplines : The Public Health Agency of Canada list, by province and territory.
• Victim Services Directory : From the Department of Justice Canada: find help near you.

In the United States

• Emergency : Call 911.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : Call or text 988, day or night.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline : 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline : 1-800-656-4673.
• Federal Trade Commission : What to know about romance scams.
• Report fraud : ReportFraud.ftc.gov (FTC) and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).