Online Safety

Online safety and awareness are imperative, especially on a large college campus. Before meeting up with someone you met on the internet, be sure to follow the safety tips below to help protect yourself.

Safety Tips

General Tips

• Avoid connecting with suspicious online profiles
• Block and report suspicious online profiles and users
• Check out your potential date on social media before meeting in person
• Wait to share personal information
• Do not respond to requests for financial help

When Meeting in Person

• Video chat before meeting in person
• Tell a friend where you are going
• Do not rely on your date for transportation
• Meet in a public place, including a coffee shop, restaurant or bar
• Enlist the help of a bartender or waiter in an uncomfortable situation
• Always trust your instincts

Preservation of Evidence

If you are the victim of an online safety crime, then you should:

• Try to preserve all physical evidence – save electronic communications such as instant messages, emails, texts and social media posts.
• Notify the police – even if you are unsure about filing charges.
• You may also contact Designated Campus Offices to Receive Crime Reports.