Florida ranks among Top 5 'most dangerous' states for online dating, study says
Most people who use online dating sites hope for new romance and to find a long-term partner.
At the same time, bad actors are lurking behind computer screens for a chance to scam those looking for a date.
And according to a recent study from Privacy Journal, a website that offers advice on online security and privacy, dates are more likely to go wrong in Florida than in just about any other state in the country.
The website’s recent research into romance scams, identity theft and more put Florida fourth among the most dangerous states for online dating in the U.S.
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So what does Privacy Journal’s research show about Florida? Which states ranked even lower? Here’s what we know:
Florida among most ‘dangerous’ states for online dating
Using data from the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Centers for Disease Control, the Census Bureau and other sources, Privacy Journal looked at numbers from 100 cities in the U.S.
Using six factors — romance scam reports, identity theft reports, fraud reports, registered sex offenders, STD incidence, and violent crime rates — and calculating the rate of each factor per 100,000 people, the website ranked each state from safest to most dangerous.
According to Privacy Journal, “Florida is the second-worst state in the country for both identity theft and fraud, and the seventh worst for becoming a victim of romance scams.”
“Florida already has a bad reputation thanks to the Florida Man meme, and our numbers for online dating risk factors don’t help the situation,” it added.
Ranked 47th overall, only three other states are more dangerous than Florida for online daters, according to the website: Georgia, Alaska and Nevada.
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Florida’s violent crime rate, however, is one of the lowest among other states.
Which state is the safest for online dating?
Vermont ranks safest for online dating, according to the study. It has the "second-lowest rate of reported identity theft and the lowest rate of STDs, and it ranks in the bottom 10 for violent crime and fraud."
How do you know if you're chatting with a scammer?
According to Privacy Journal, there are recognizable patterns and behavior that online daters should look out for to avoid getting scammed.
After reviewing around 400 romance scam reports submitted to the Better Business Bureau in 2023 and 2024, the website determined these patterns to be:
Persistent requests for money: Romance scammers use a fake relationship, almost always online, to extort money from their targets. Scammers usually claim they need money for a sympathetic reason that exploits the target’s feelings for them. Requesting cryptocurrency or a gift card instead of a bank transfer or a check is a big red flag.
Excuses to not meet: Maintaining a false identity is much easier online than in real life. To maintain their illusions, romance scammers prefer to work from other states or countries and may even refuse to video chat. Beware of a long-distance relationship with anyone who is constantly finding reasons not to see you in person.
Elaborate storytelling: Romance scam artists are great at fabricating complex backstories that make victims more likely to fall for them and send money. Common elements include abuse, legal trouble, being trapped in a foreign country, or needing money for phone or internet bills so the relationship can continue.
Secrecy and isolation: To keep the target’s friends or family members from catching on, scammers discourage their victims from telling others about the relationship. Most provide a fabricated reason, such as fear that others won’t accept their love.
False sense of urgency: Like all con artists, romance scammers rely on bypassing your critical thinking skills and getting you to act on instinct. When asking for money, they’ll often concoct reasons they need funds immediately, such as their phone card being minutes from running out.
To learn more about Privacy Journal’s study, visit privacyjournal.net/safest-states-for-online-dating.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: The dangers of online dating and where Florida ranks for safety
