Site Help


Help > Safety Guide

FindSomeone Safety Guide



FindSomeone is a fun, safe way to meet new people and we have a number of success stories from members who have found someone special online. However, just like in the offline world, there are certain precautions you should take. Please read our tips below and our website Code of Ethics. Above all: remember to trust your instincts.

Online/General Tips

  1. Always read profiles carefully
    Members of FindSomeone edit their profiles to include the information they want you to know. Your first step should be to read profiles thoroughly and if anything makes you feel uncomfortable, don't communicate with that person. Click 'ignore selected' on the message page to stop a person contacting you again on the site. FindSomeone is a New Zealand online dating website. If you suspect a person is located offshore please alert us immediately through Community Watch.
  2. Use Community Watch to report any problems
    Community Watch is a feature on FindSomeone that allows us to check every single profile and image that is added to the website. You can report inappropriate or offensive content to Community Watch at any time. Click the *hand* symbol on any page or contact us. Our customer support team will investigate any complaint.
  3. Protect your privacy
    While we generally recommend editing your profile to include basic information that will help us find matches for you, do NOT reveal your surname, home or email address, workplace information or any phone numbers until you completely trust the person you're communicating with. Don't feel pressured to share any details before you are ready.
  4. Never reveal financial information
    Under no circumstances should you give out your bank account details or offer your credit card numbers to anyone, no matter how good their reasons for asking might appear. Never send money to people you have met through FindSomeone. Please alert us immediately through Community Watch if anyone asks you for money.
  5. Ask to see photos
    If you've been corresponding with someone and they refuse to provide a picture (or the picture looks like it may have been 'borrowed' from a website), be suspicious. You have a right to ask for more than one photo. Check the background of any picture as well, as this can reveal more about the person.
  6. Messaging
    Messaging through FindSomeone is entirely anonymous. The only way another member can learn your details is if you share them. Inappropriate language is unacceptable. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable then stop returning messages. Ask a friend to review any messages as they may pick up on something you have missed. Communicate through the site until you're absolutely ready to move onto the next step.

Phoning Tips

If the messaging has gone well and you would like to progress to the next step, phoning first is preferable before meeting.
  1. Don't feel pressured to call
    Call the person only if or when you feel comfortable, and remember there is no hurry to meet once you have started talking on the phone - you are not restricted to a certain number of calls first.
  2. Giving out your number
    Don't pass on your phone number to anyone unless you are confident you want them to call. You could offer to make contact yourself, and remember that by dialling '0197' (within NZ) before any number your caller ID will be blocked to the receiver. Alternatively, you may wish to use a specific prepaid mobile phone or public phone.
  3. If the calls don't go well
    If you're not comfortable with the outcome of the phone calls then there is no need to take things any further.

Meeting Tips

If the phone calls have gone well and you are confident you would like to meet this person, it is an exciting time but you should still heed the advice below. You can still meet in person and have the choice to remain essentially anonymous.
  1. Tell friends where and when you are meeting
    Keep friends and family informed about your meeting so they know your whereabouts and when to expect you home.
  2. Avoid driving to the meeting
    Have a friend drop you off so they know where you are, or take public transport, so you can't be followed back to your car. If you must drive, find a parking spot that is not within sight of the venue but is still well-lit and busy. Don't allow the person to pick you up at home, and when the date is over take separate taxis.
  3. Meet in a public place
    Meet during the day if you can, at a location where there are plenty of other people. If you go to a restaurant or bar, never leave your drink unattended.
  4. Keep your phone handy
    Keep your purse or wallet and mobile phone (charged and switched on) with you at all times. You could even ask a friend to call/text during your date to find out how things are going, and have a secret signal for them to come and get you if need be.
  5. Note any personal details
    When the person arrives, take a quick mental picture of their car, clothes and any other notable personal details.
  6. Don't feel pressured to arrange another meeting
    You can always communicate again via the website, so there is no need to pass on contact details or make promises to meet again. Give yourself time after the first meeting to evaluate how it went and whether you would like to see the person again.
  7. Make an exit if you feel uncomfortable
    If something doesn't feel right to you, you can always get lost in the crowd and call a friend for a quick rescue. If you feel at all uncomfortable during the meeting, make your apologies and leave. If you feel threatened in any way, excuse yourself and seek assistance if required.
back to top