Palm Springs, CA
In response to our article, Gay Man Sexually Assaulted in Palm Springs In January Speaks Out, the Palm Springs Police Department released this message cautioning the community:
“Online dating can be a great opportunity to meet new people. However, predators are known to use dating apps to victimize unsuspecting and trusting people. As online dating has become more popular, victims have reported being subjected to harassment, theft, money scams, fraud, stalking, and physical and sexual abuse by someone whom they met online. Although not a guarantee, below are some tips to increase your safety when interacting with others online.
Use a Reputable Dating Site or App: Use a reputable dating site or app with a good reputation and read reviews before signing up.
Protect Your Personal Information: Do not share personal information like your home address, phone number, or email address until you feel comfortable with the person and have met them in person.
Use a Different Email Address: Set up a separate email account to use for online dating. This way, your personal or work email won’t be flooded with dating-related messages.
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Avoid connecting with suspicious profiles: Use caution if the person you matched with has no bio, has only posted one picture, and has no linked social media accounts, it may be a fake account. Trust your instincts and end the conversation or date if something doesn’t feel right. Block and report suspicious users.
Do Your Research: Before meeting someone in person, do your research on them. Search for their name and check their social media profiles to ensure they are who they say they are.
Tell a Friend or Family Member: Let someone know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you expect to be back. You can even consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member.
Meet in a Public Place: For your first few dates, always meet in a public place like a coffee shop, restaurant, or park. This will help you feel safe and in control.
Take it Slow: Take your time getting to know someone online and don’t feel pressured to meet in person until you’re ready.
Be in control: Take your own transportation to and from the date so you can leave whenever you want and avoid getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t feel comfortable with.
Don’t respond to a request to send money. – Online scammers will use various ruses in order to obtain money through wire transfers or gift cards.
Remember, your safety should always be a top priority, and taking precautions can help ensure that your online dating experience is a positive one.
The Palm Springs Police Department is aware of a news article regarding a victim who was sexually assaulted in Palm Springs, in January. The crime was immediately reported to police and Investigators are working closely with the victim to identify and criminally prosecute the suspect. Sexual assault crimes are taken very seriously, and victims are encouraged to report the crime immediately to their local law enforcement agency. If anyone has information related to this incident, please contact Detective Jimenez at 760-323-8136 or juan.jimenez@palmspringsca.gov.”