← DateVillage
Safety guidelines
DateVillage is built for people 50 and over, who are a common target of romance scams. These are the protections we build in, and the habits that keep you safe.
What we do
- Phone and local-area checks for every member before they can message anyone, and one phone number per account.
- An optional ID verified badge for members who pass a government ID and selfie check.
- Scam warnings in chat. If a message asks for money, gift cards or crypto, or asks you to move to another app, you see a warning.
- Report and block in two taps. Reporting also blocks. A person reviews every report, and we aim to act within 24 hours.
- Zero tolerance for harassment, hate, explicit content and fraud. Violations lead to removal.
What you can do
- Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or bank details to anyone you have not met in person, whatever the reason or how urgent it sounds.
- Be careful with stories about being overseas, in the military, on an oil rig, or in a sudden emergency. They are common in scams.
- Stay on DateVillage until you have met and trust the person. Scammers push for private channels.
- Check for the ID verified badge, but remember it is not a background check.
- Meet in a public place, tell a friend or family member where you are going, and arrange your own transportation.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, stop and report it.
If you were scammed
Contact your bank right away, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Then tell us at [email protected] so we can remove the account.