General Safety Tips

Verify identity

Make sure the person you’re talking to is who they say they are. A video call before meeting, a request for a recent photo, or a look at their social media can all help confirm they’re real.

Never send money up front

A genuine sugar daddy won’t ask a sugar baby for money, and vice versa. These relationships are built on clear, mutual agreements — not one-sided favors. That also means never sharing your bank details or sending gift cards or online purchases.

Stay on the platform

While you’re getting to know someone, keep the conversation on the platform. People with bad intentions often push to move things to messaging apps, email or calls as quickly as possible.

Be wary of dramatic stories

If someone always seems to have an excuse or an urgent problem that needs your help, you may be looking at an emotional scam.

Set expectations early

Be clear about what you both expect — from the relationship to time and lifestyle — before you meet. Never be afraid to state your terms or ask direct questions about what each of you is looking for.

Be cautious with long-distance or cross-border matches

Be careful with anyone who won’t meet in person or set up a phone or video call — they may not be who they claim. Someone dodging your questions, or pushing for a serious relationship before getting to know you, is a red flag.

Staying Safe When You Meet

First date in a public place

Always arrange your first meeting somewhere safe and public, like a café or a busy restaurant. Avoid unfamiliar places, and don’t go straight to a home or hotel.

Tell someone you trust

Before your date, tell a friend or family member where you’ll be, who you’re meeting and how long you expect to be out. You can also share your live location from your phone for extra peace of mind.

Bring your own transportation

Don’t accept a ride or a pickup for a first date. Use your own car or public transit so you’re always in control of when you head home.

Limit alcohol and other substances

Go easy on alcohol on a first date so you stay in control of the situation. Too much can leave you vulnerable. And if you’re offered anything else, turn it down — you don’t know what you’re being given.

Safety for Sugar Babies

• Watch out for fake sugar daddies. Some people pose as wealthy sugar daddies but only want to scam you. They may try to talk you into sending intimate photos, or ask for money on the promise of paying you back. Stay in control, and never blindly trust someone you haven’t met in person.
• Don’t share bank details or gift cards. Never make a transfer, buy cards or products, or hand over bank details, whatever excuse you’re given. These are some of the most common scams online.
• Don’t transfer money. Under no circumstances send money to someone you met online, and don’t get pulled into any “business” with someone you don’t know.
• Keep personal information private. Don’t reveal your school, address or other personal details before meeting in person. Protect your private life in online relationships.

Safety for Sugar Daddies

• Watch out for fake profiles. If a profile looks too perfect or the photos look too professional, do some research before getting emotionally or financially involved.
• Keep gifts and benefits in person. It’s best to handle any gift or benefit in person, and only online after you’ve met face to face. If someone asks for money before meeting, decline.
• Don’t overshare financial details. Avoid revealing your income, property or bank accounts early on — scammers can use that to blackmail you or steal your identity.
• Be alert to urgent money requests. If a sugar baby starts asking for money before you’ve met, or over sudden “family emergencies,” it may be a scam. These relationships run on clear agreements, not sudden financial favors.
• Protect yourself from blackmail. Never share sensitive material with someone you haven’t met and don’t fully trust, and hold back details about your family, marital status, workplace or home until you’ve met in person.

How to Spot Online Scams

Unusual language and behavior

Scammers often write in an impersonal or inconsistent way. Dodging direct questions, canned replies, or avoiding meeting in person are all red flags.

Over-the-top promises

Be wary of promises of big money, lavish gifts or a life of luxury before any real relationship exists. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Photos that look off

Use a reverse image search to check whether the photos you’re sent are genuine or lifted from other profiles online.

Stories that don’t add up

If someone’s story keeps changing or contradicts itself, you may be dealing with a scammer. Pay attention to these details from the start.

How to Report a Scam

If you think you’ve been scammed or you spot a suspicious profile, report it right away — use the Report button on the profile, or contact us by email or our contact form. In the U.S., you can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you’re ever in immediate danger, call 911.

Want to learn more? Read up on what sugar dating is and browse our blog, where you’ll find articles on first-date safety, privacy and more.