Meeting someone online in North Carolina exposes you to several risks, according to a new study. The Privacy Journal report ranks the state 35th out of 50 for online dating safety, placing it among the highest risk areas in the country.
That ranking was built on six factors: romance scams, Identity Theft, fraud in general, violent crimes, prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and number of registered sex offenders.
“The risk of being defrauded, assaulted, or encountering a registered sex offender is much higher in some states than in others,” the report warns.
In North Carolina, this position reflects concrete indicators: 901 cases of STIs per 100 residents, 285 reports of fraud, and a high rate of violent crime.
Why online dating is risky
The study explains that one of the main fears when using dating apps is discovering that the person is not who they say they are.
Based on more than 400 reports analyzed by the Better Business Bureau, patterns of romance scams were identified: “persistent requests for money, excuses not to meet in person, and elaborate personal stories” designed to manipulate the victim.
Related: How to Identify Common Scams: Tips from the North Carolina Attorney General
What the North Carolina Department of Justice says
In turn, the North Carolina Department of Justice (NC DOJ) warns that “love scammers are con artists who prey on lonely people by pretending to be in love to gain their trust and steal their money.”
According to the state office, many create fake identities on dating sites or social media and even “create fake dating websites to get your phone number.” credit card and other private information.”
Among the warning signs, the NC DOJ highlights:
- Requests for money for emergencies, travel, or financial problems.
- Excuses for not meeting in person or moving to emails and text messages.
- “A facade of unconditional love that seems very comforting,” with tragic or heroic stories.
Additionally, it is advisable to protect personal information and never send money to anyone you have not met in person. It is important to note that the NC DOJ has a toll-free number to report scams. 1-877-5-NO-SCAM .
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The safest states for online dating
The northeast accounts for the top spots in the ranking.
- Vermont leads by registering “the lowest rate of STDs in the country and the second lowest number of identity theft reports.”
- Maine It ranks second in terms of violent crime: 103 reports per 100,000 inhabitants.
- New Hampshire rounds out the podium with reduced rates of STDs and violence, although a weaker performance in reports of romance scams.
Related: What does it take to get married in North Carolina?
The riskiest states
At the other extreme, three states have the greatest dangers to digital dating.
- Nevada It is ranked last (50), with high levels of fraud, romance scams and identity theft.
- Alaska It is ranked 49th, with the highest rate of violent crime in the country: 730 reports per 100.000 inhabitants.
- Georgia It is ranked 48th for being “the riskiest state for fraud” and is also among the worst for identity theft and STD prevalence.
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North Carolina within the ranking:
- General position: 35 de 50
- Romance scams: 7 position
- Identity Theft: 35 position
- Financial fraud: 40 position
- Violent crimes: 30 position
- STDs: 44th place, with 901 per 100.000 inhabitants
- Registered Sex Offenders: 27 position
>> Privacy Journal Report Safe States for Dating Online in 2025
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