iPhone users urged to quickly switch off one setting when using dating apps

16 February 2024 , 14:17

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Make sure your privacy settings are tightened up before giving your number out to people you don't know (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

If your Tinder match wants to take things to the next level and swap phone numbers you may want to check your settings first.

Online dating is a relatively new phenomenon and can be tricky to navigate safely. Not only do you need to watch out for fake profiles and convincing conmen - it's also important to maintain your privacy until a certain level of trust has been built.

Without realising it, you could be accidentally sharing more information about yourself than planned. If you have an iPhone, it's worth disabling one feature that could land you in a sticky situation, especially if things with your date turn sour.

Handing out your phone number to plan for a first date might seem like a wise step for potential lovers, but Huffington Post warns it could end up revealing 'your full name' to them. This means they could easily find out details regarding your job, social media, and location: information that could have stark consequences if fallen into the wrong hands.

To prevent this from happening, you will need to disable the 'name-sharing' feature or change your settings to 'Always ask' before striking up a conversation over iMessage. To turn the feature off, you will need to:

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• Go to 'Settings'
• Click on 'Messages'
• Click 'Share name and photo'
• Toggle 'Name & photo sharing off'
• Alternatively, edit the 'Name' to only include your first

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Whilst dating apps can be a great way to meet your partner in the modern world, there are certain risks with chatting away to your virtual matches. The notorious Tinder Swindler used the dating app to steal millions of dollars from women he scammed.

Shimon Hayut, who later changed his name to Simon Leviev, seduced multiple women by posing as a millionaire who would treat his matches to luxurious gifts before draining them of their life savings. Once he got the money, he would disappear and move on to his next victim, using the money from one con to impress his next target. You can read more about the infamous Tinder Swindler here.

Do you think dating apps are safe? Let us know in the comments section below

Liam Gilliver