Online Dating for Grown-Ups

Interested in meeting someone new? Or perhaps you’re recently single and ready to test the waters. Have you thought about online dating?

In its early days, online dating was somewhat controversial, even frowned upon. Fast forward a few years and more than 50 per cent of Australians have tried finding love online, or say they would consider it. In fact, the dating website RSVP claims to have more than 1,000 new members signing up everyday.

Business knows it too, with the emergence of dating coaches and dedicated services to creating the perfect online profile.

While Gen Y are consumed with a new online dating application called Tinder (perhaps ask your children or grandchildren about this one), what are the online destinations for FiftyUps?

A quick Google search for online dating for the over-50s brings up a range of sites including RSVP, eHarmony and FiftyDating Australia.

While we aren’t recommending particular sites, consumer advocacy organisations such as Choice have done some comparisons and you can also listen to Glenn Wheeler’s recent discussion in The Clubhouse on 2GB about “mature” dating websites here.

So what are the dangers and how much should you be paying?

Unfortunately as online dating grows, scammers are targeting victims by creating fake profiles on legitimate internet dating services.

It is estimated more than $23 million a year is lost by Australians through dating and romance scams.

The ACCC has some warning signs and ways to protect yourself on their Scam Watch website. Remember to always protect your privacy and we wouldn’t recommend sending money to anyone online, ever.

Dating websites such as RSVP also have some tips to help protect yourself.

Have you or someone you know considered online dating? Do you have any tips to protect yourself?