Meeting safely

Last updated 15 October 2026.

Most people on Encounter are just hoping to meet someone nice. These habits help keep it that way.

Before you meet

Take your time. Chat for a while first. A video call is a good way to check someone is who they say they are.
Keep personal details to yourself at first: where you live or work, your surname, your social media.
Never send money, gift cards or bank details, however good the story. Anyone who asks is almost certainly running a scam: report them.

Meet in a busy public place, and stay in public the first few times.
Tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back.
Get yourself there and back. Keep your phone charged, and have a way home that doesn't depend on your date.
Watch your drink, and don't drink more than you're comfortable with.
Trust your instincts. You can leave at any point, for any reason, and you don't owe anyone an explanation.

Block and report them in the app: long-press them in your orbit, or use the ⋯ menu on their profile or in your chat. They won't be told.
In an emergency, call 999. To report something that isn't an emergency, call 101.