A catalogue of crimes linked to leading dating platforms is today revealed by the News & Star.

Victim Support say the companies behind apps like Tinder, Grindr and Plenty of Fish must do more to protect users.

Read more: Rape, harassment and blackmail - the dark side of dating revealed

And Cumbria Constabulary has issued advice for those taking to dating apps in a bid to find love.

News and Star: A dating app in use on a smartphone

The force's lead officer on rape and serious sexual offences, DCI Vicki Coombes, said:

 

  • Be anonymous - choose a username that doesn’t let everyone know who you are and back it up with a strong password.
  • Keep your contact details private. Never make available your email address, where you live or your phone number.
  • Keep your communications on the dating app, take things slowly and only share more information and contact details when you feel comfortable doing so. It is impossible to get back private information once it has been shared.
  • If it doesn’t feel right or someone is pressuring you into providing your personal or financial information, or they are asking you for money, stop communicating, contact the dating provider immediately to not only protect yourself but other users too.

DCI Coombes added: “If you’re thinking about meeting up, when you are ready to meet, remember this person is still a stranger.

“Make sure they are who they say they are and you are happy with what they have told you.  You could check if they have social media accounts and if you have friends in common.

“Don’t share your address or other key personal information. Always remain in public for the first few dates and make sure you tell a friend or family member where you are going and who you are going with.

“Arrange for the friend to call you during the date, letting your date know that someone knows where you are.  This also gives you an opportunity to let someone know if it’s not going well and you need an excuse to leave.

“Alternatively you could arrange to meet somewhere that is participating in the “Ask for Angela” scheme so a member of staff can help you if things are not going as expected.”