For information regarding Plenty Of Fish's security practices or guidelines related to responsible disclosure, please visit our security page.

Meeting new people is exciting, but you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you don't know. Use your best judgment and put your safety first, whether you are exchanging initial messages or meeting in person. While you can't control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your Plenty of Fish experience.

Online safety

Never send money or share financial information

Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash - it's nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to us immediately.

For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out some advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website or in the video below.

Protect your personal information

Never share personal information such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (e.g., that you go to a certain gym every Monday) with people you don't know. If you are a parent, limit the information that you share about your children on your profile and in early communications. Avoid sharing details such as your children's names, where they go to school, or their ages or genders.

Stay on the platform

Let the conversation flow right here on Plenty of Fish while you’re getting to know your potential hot date. To help keep everyone safe, we’ve put Safe Message Filters (learn more here) in place, so heads up that there may be some people with bad intentions who try to move the conversation to text, messaging apps, email, or phone right away.

Be wary of long distance and overseas relationships

Watch out for scammers who claim to be from your country but stuck somewhere else, especially if they ask for financial help to return home. Be wary of anyone who will not meet in person or talk on a phone/video call-they may not be who they say they are. If someone is avoiding your questions or pushing for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first - that's a red flag.

Report all suspicious and offensive behavior

You know when someone's crossed the line and when they do, we want to know about it. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page or messaging window or contact [email protected]. For more information, check out our Community Guidelines.

Protect your account

Be sure to pick a strong password, and always be careful when logging into your account from a public or shared computer. Plenty of Fish will never send you an email asking for your username and password information - if you receive an email asking for account information, report it immediately.

Contacting POF

Please remember POF will NEVER ask you for your password, to share your screen with us, or require payment to receive customer support. If you need to contact POF, we recommend you contact us at [email protected]. Please do not call phone numbers found in a Google search - we do not provide general support over the phone, and support phone numbers found in a Google search do not belong to POF.

Sexual health & consent

Protect yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI's like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.

Know your status

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don't want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here's where you can find a clinic near you (US only).

Talk about it

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware - in some places, it's actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other's boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here.