Dating safety tips

Before you meet

• Look for the verified badge. It means our team has matched their selfie to their photos. You can get one too in Settings.
• Chat in MoyoMatch first. Get to know someone before moving to WhatsApp or giving out your number. If something feels off, you can block and report them in one tap.
• Have a video or voice call. It is the quickest way to know they are who they say they are. Someone who always has an excuse not to call is a warning sign.
• Keep personal details private until you trust someone: your home address, workplace, ID number, your children's school, and of course your M-Pesa PIN and bank details.
• Search their photos. A reverse image search (Google Lens) shows if the pictures belong to someone else.

Spot a scam

Scammers move fast, say "I love you" early and always end up needing money. Never send money, M-Pesa, airtime or gifts to someone you have not met, however real the story sounds. Common ones in Kenya:

• a sudden emergency: hospital bills, a stuck car, school fees or rent;
• a "parcel" or gift from abroad that needs customs fees before it can be released;
• an investment, forex or crypto chance they want to "share" with you;
• asking you to receive and forward money, or to buy airtime for them;
• a "sponsor" offer, or asking for money to pay for transport to come and meet you.

If someone asks you for money, report them. You will never be asked for your password or M-Pesa PIN by MoyoMatch.

Your first date

• Meet in a busy public place, like a café, restaurant or mall, ideally during the day. Not at a home, hotel room or somewhere isolated.
• Tell a friend who you are meeting, where and when. Share your live location on WhatsApp, or use the safety check-in when you plan a date in a MoyoMatch chat.
• Get yourself there and back. Use your own car, a matatu, or a ride from Uber, Bolt or Little that you book yourself. Do not accept a lift home from someone you just met.
• Keep your phone charged and carry a little cash for the trip home.
• Watch your drink. Order it yourself, see it poured and never leave it alone. If you feel suddenly dizzy or much drunker than you should, tell staff and call a friend straight away.
• Trust your gut. You can leave at any time, and you do not owe anyone an explanation.

Photos and online safety

• Think twice before sending intimate photos or videos. Once sent, you cannot control where they go.
• If someone threatens to share your images unless you pay (sextortion), do not pay. Stop replying, keep screenshots, report them to us and to the police. Paying usually leads to more demands.
• Be careful with links someone sends you. MoyoMatch will never ask you to sign in anywhere else.

Your health

• Consent is a clear, freely given yes, every time. It can be taken back at any time.
• If you have sex, protect yourself and your partner. Free condoms, HIV testing and advice are available at public health centres and many clinics across Kenya.

If something goes wrong

• If you were assaulted, go to the nearest hospital or police station as soon as you can, even if you are not sure you want to report it yet. Care for survivors of sexual violence, including emergency medicine to prevent HIV, works best within 72 hours.
• Report the person on MoyoMatch from their profile or your chat. We can keep the evidence and, where the law allows, help the police.
• You can also write to us at hello@moyomatch.com.