Meeting someone new or celebrating with your current partner on Valentine’s Day are exciting opportunities. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day often sees a rise in illicit activity in the form of romance fraud and other crimes. Romance fraud cost UK victims over £94.7 million in 2023 alone—but it isn’t the only problem.
Beyond financial fraud, there are other risks to be aware of—such as personal safety during dates, drink spiking, and oversharing private information. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy a safe Valentine’s Day without unnecessary worries.
Common Valentine’s Day Dating Risks
Before discussing our top Valentine’s Day safety tips, let’s take a moment to recognise the risks that can come with modern dating. Being aware of these dangers will help you stay one step ahead. Here are the top three dating risks UK victims face:
1. Romance Scams & Catfishing
One of the biggest threats in online dating is romance fraud. Scammers create fake profiles, gain trust, and then manipulate victims into sending money. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau reported a 60% increase in romance scams in the UK since 2019. If someone you’ve just met online starts asking for money, it’s a red flag—no matter how convincing their story is.
Source: City of London Police
2. Spiked Drinks & Theft
In public places, drink spiking is a real threat. Criminals use substances to incapacitate victims, leading to robbery, assault, or worse. The UK police received 6,732 reports of drink spiking in 2023, with many more likely going unreported.
Recommended Reading: Learn safety measures to avoid and prevent the risk of drink spiking in the UK.
3. Online Fraud
You’ll likely start seeing many ads promoting Valentine’s Day deals and products you’ve never seen before as soon as February comes around. Be wary of these, as online fraud and scams are only getting worse. Many scammers will try to promote fraudulent flower delivery services, unrealistic deals on gifts, etc. You might even receive unsolicited emails with random links to “claim” a gift card or a similar reward—these are phishing scams, designed to steal your data.
Recommended Reading: Learn our safety tips about ways to spot and prevent 6 common Valentine’s Day scams.
Top Valentine’s Day Safety Tips
Now that you know the risks, let’s dive into our most important Valentine’s Day safety tips. To ensure a safe weekend for you and people you care about, follow these key measures:
1. Do Your Research
Before meeting someone from a dating app or social media, take a few minutes to verify their identity. While most people on dating platforms are genuine, there are always those who misrepresent themselves. Researching someone in advance can help you spot potential red flags.
- Google their name to check for any inconsistencies in their story or identity.
- Know how to recognise fake profiles. New accounts with very few pictures or friends are often fake.
- Reverse image search their profile photos to confirm you’re not being catfished.
- Pay attention to how they communicate. Be wary if they refuse video calls or have inconsistent stories.
Taking these extra steps before meeting someone can help protect you from fraud, deception, and potential harm.
2. Choose a Public Meeting Spot
The location of your first date plays a big role in your safety. Meeting in a public space ensures that there are other people around if you need assistance. It also makes it easier to leave if you feel uncomfortable.
Great options for first-date locations include:
- A café or restaurant, where you’ll be surrounded by staff and other customers.
- A market, which offers a secure and busy environment with easy access to transport.
- A well-known bar with good security, ensuring that help is available if needed.
Here are some additional Valentine’s Day safety tips: Avoid meeting at private residences, remote parks, or isolated areas, especially if it is your first time seeing the person in real life. If your date suggests an unfamiliar or secluded location, consider rescheduling for a place where you feel more comfortable.
3. Tell Someone About Your Plans
Letting a trusted friend or family member know about your plans can provide an extra layer of security. Even if you feel confident about your date, it is always wise to ensure that someone else is aware of your whereabouts.
Before heading out, share the following details with a friend, roommate, or family member:
- Where you are going, including the name and address of the venue.
- Who you are meeting—consider sending them a screenshot of the person’s dating profile.
- When you expect to be back so they can check in if they haven’t heard from you.
You can also use live location-sharing features available on WhatsApp, iPhone, or Google Maps. These allow a trusted contact to track your location in real-time, providing an added level of reassurance.
Consider arranging a check-in message with your friend during the date. For example, you could agree to send a quick text at a certain time to confirm that everything is going well. If they do not hear from you, they will know to follow up.
4. Use a Safe Transport Option
Planning how you will get to and from your date is just as important as choosing the right venue. Relying on a stranger for transport can put you in a vulnerable situation, so always arrange a secure way to get home. Follow these tips to ensure Valentine’s Day safety:
- Use a reputable ride-sharing app and verify the driver’s details to ensure it matches the booking.
- Use public transport if possible, since it’s generally safer.
Recommended Reading: Learn how to ensure public transport safety in London.
- Avoid parking or walking in dark or isolated places.
- Only accept rides from people you trust and share your live location with friends.
Having control over your transportation means you can leave whenever you feel necessary, without relying on anyone else.
5. Stay Sober & Watch Your Drinks
Whether you are drinking alcohol or sticking to soft drinks, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and protect yourself from potential drink spiking. This crime can lead to serious consequences, including memory loss, disorientation, and in some cases, unconsciousness. Here’s how to have a safe Valentine’s Day experience:
- Never leave your drink unattended and always watch your drink being made.
- Only accept beverages directly from a bartender or server, never from strangers.
- If you start feeling strange, alert venue staff or a trusted person and avoid leaving alone.
- Look out for your friends’ safety and watch for signs of unusual behaviour.
Limiting alcohol consumption can also help you stay in control of the situation. Drinking responsibly allows you to make clear-headed decisions and recognise any potential warning signs.
6. Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore that gut feeling. It’s okay to:
- Leave early if you feel uncomfortable.
- Ask for help from venue staff or security.
- Call emergency services if you feel in danger.
Your safety is more important than being polite or worrying about offending someone.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Valentine’s Day safety isn’t just about avoiding danger—it’s about being prepared so you can enjoy your night with peace of mind. Even the best-planned date can take an unexpected turn, so having a backup plan is a smart way to stay in control. A well-thought-out backup plan ensures you’re never stuck in a situation where you feel unsafe.
Here are some easy ways to be prepared:
- Arrange your transport in advance and keep an emergency contact ready.
- Decide code words or phrases with friends to signify an emergency.
- Carry extra cash and a portable charger in case your phone dies.
- Identify a busy café or shop where you can wait safely if needed.
Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it just means you’ll always have a way to leave safely if needed.
The Hidden Dangers of Online Dating
While dating apps can be great for meeting new people, scammers and predators also use them. Here are some statistics that highlight the risks:
- Nearly 25% of online daters in the UK have experienced catfishing—where someone pretends to be someone else online.
- Almost 40% of online daters say they’ve been asked for money or personal details by someone they met online.
To protect yourself:
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Be cautious if someone love-bombs you—expressing strong feelings too soon
- If in doubt, report suspicious profiles to the dating app or authorities
Safe Valentine’s Day: How Safety Hub Can Help
At Get Licensed, we’re dedicated to making the world a safer place.
Stay informed by reading other guides on Safety Hub—your go-to resource for navigating every day challenges, events, and venues in the UK.
