Safety Tips

Meeting new people is exciting, but you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you do not know. Use your best judgment and put your own safety first. While you cannot control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your dating journey.

We conduct a criminal background check before accepting new clients, but you can never be too careful. Be sure to read over our safety tips below before your first introduction.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, need emergency assistance, or have been the victim of an assault call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

Online Safety

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash—it is nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace it once it is gone. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts.

If one of our members asks you for money, please report it to us immediately.

For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out some advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share personal information like your social security number, home address, or details about your daily routine. For instance, telling a stranger you go to the same gym every day at the same time is a bad idea.

If you are a parent, limit the information that you share about your children. Avoid sharing details such as your child’s name, age, gender, where they go to school, etc.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior

You know when someone has crossed a boundary. And we want to know about it. Report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

  • Requests for Money
  • Harassment
  • Threats
  • Inappropriate or Offensive Behavior
  • Fraud
  • Spam
  • Solicitation
Protect Your Account

Be sure to pick a strong password, and always be careful when logging into your account. Executive Matchmakers will never send you an email asking for your username and password information—if you receive an email asking for account information, report it immediately. If you are logging in using your phone number, do not share your SMS code with anyone. Any website requesting this code to verify your identity is not affiliated with Executive Matchmakers in any way.

Meeting in Person

Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place, never at a private residence. If your date pressures you to go to a private location—end the date.

Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you are going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

Be in Control of Your Transportation

We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. If you are driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically—they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, end the date, and report the behavior immediately.

Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times—only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

Keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.

Leave If You Feel Uncomfortable

It is okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it is encouraged. If your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, need emergency assistance, or have been the victim of an assault call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

Sexual Health & Consent

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STIs like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.

Know Your Status

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here’s where you can find a clinic near you.

Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware—in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here.

Support Resources

Remember—even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. Report any incidents here and consider reaching out to one of the resources below. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) I online.rainn.org I www.rainn.org

Planned Parenthood
1-800-230-7526 I www.plannedparenthood.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 I www.thehotline.org

National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 I www.humantraffickinghotline.org

National Sexual Violence Resource Center
1-877-739-3895 I www.nsvrc.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) I www.cybertipline.com

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
1-844-878-2274 I www.cybercivilrights.org

VictimConnect – Crime Victim Resource Center
1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) I www.victimconnect.org

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
www.ic3.gov

LGBT National Help Center
1-888-843-4564 I www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org

Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) I www.translifeline.org