They push the relationship forward unusually quickly
Be cautious when someone tries to create intense trust or commitment before you have had enough time to know them. This can include very early declarations of love, talking about a shared future almost immediately or repeatedly pressuring you to treat the relationship as more serious than it is.
A genuine connection can develop quickly, but you are still entitled to set the pace. Someone who respects you should also respect a reasonable boundary.
Their stories repeatedly do not add up
Small mistakes happen, but repeated contradictions about basic facts can be a warning sign. Pay attention when details about work, family, where they live or their availability change significantly without a sensible explanation.
Avoid turning dating into an investigation. Instead, notice whether the overall picture remains consistent over time and whether the person responds reasonably when something is unclear.
They ask for money or financial help
Treat requests for money as a serious warning sign, particularly from someone you have only met online. The reason may sound urgent or emotionally compelling: travel problems, medical bills, an emergency, a business problem or money needed so that you can finally meet.
Do not send money, bank details, card information, cryptocurrency, gift cards or financial account access to someone because of an online dating relationship. Do not let embarrassment or emotional pressure stop you from seeking advice if you have already sent something.
They pressure you for personal or intimate information
You do not need to provide your exact home address, workplace, financial details, passwords or other sensitive information to prove that you trust someone. Be wary of anyone who repeatedly asks for information you have said you do not want to share.
The same principle applies to intimate photographs or videos. Do not allow pressure, guilt or promises of secrecy to override your own boundaries.
They want to move away from the dating platform immediately
Moving to another messaging service is common once two people are comfortable, so the request itself is not necessarily suspicious. The concern is persistent pressure to move immediately, especially when it appears designed to avoid the platform's reporting or safety features.
Take your time. You can keep early conversations on the dating platform until you feel comfortable sharing another contact method.
They avoid reasonable ways of confirming who they are
There can be legitimate reasons why someone cannot video call or meet straight away. A pattern of excuses, however, deserves caution when it is combined with other inconsistencies or requests for money.
Photos, social accounts and video calls are not guarantees of identity. Treat them as pieces of information rather than absolute proof.
They ignore boundaries or react badly to “no”
A useful sign of character is how someone responds when you disagree, decline a request or say that you are not comfortable with something. Insults, threats, repeated sexual pressure, guilt-tripping or attempts to frighten you into complying are reasons to end the conversation.
You do not owe anyone continued contact. Use blocking and reporting tools where appropriate.
Before meeting, keep control of your plans
When you decide to meet, choose a public place, arrange your own transport and tell someone you trust where you are going. Keep enough control over the plan that you can leave independently if the date becomes uncomfortable.
Read Zwag's dating safety guidance for more practical precautions before meeting someone in person.
Trust patterns, not a checklist
Red flags are prompts to pay attention, not a formula for judging strangers. Context matters. A single delayed reply, changed plan or nervous conversation is not evidence that someone is dishonest.
Look instead for repeated behaviour: pressure, manipulation, unexplained inconsistencies, disregard for boundaries or attempts to obtain money or sensitive information. If something feels wrong, you can slow down or stop contact without needing to prove that the other person intended harm.