10 Riskiest States for Online Dating, According to a New Study

With three in 10 U.S. adults using dating apps,¹ it’s no surprise that the risks involved can be daunting. 

But, did you know that the state where you choose to go on that first date can impact the likelihood of a successful and safe encounter? 

According to a recent study by Privacy Journal, there are 10 states considered the most dangerous for online dating.² Here’s a rundown of what they found:

1. Florida

Florida is ranked the fourth most dangerous state for online dating. It is the second-worst state for identity theft and fraud, and is the seventh worst state for becoming a victim of romance scams. Scammers have plied Floridians for over $53 billion through romance scams.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas also has high rates of identity theft and fraud, ranking 18th highest in the country for identity theft reports per 100,000 population and 40th for fraud reports. This makes Arkansas daters vulnerable to having their personal and financial information compromised by bad actors on dating platforms.

3. Nevada

Nevada has high rates of fraud and violent crime which highlights the significant financial and emotional risks involved in online dating in this state.

4. Alaska

Alaska has high rates of violent crime, with 387 victims reporting losses of over $15 billion due to romance scams. This emphasizes the need for online daters in Alaska to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and security.

5. Georgia

Georgia has high rates of violent crime, ranking among the top 5 most dangerous states for online dating, with a violent crime rate of 3.67 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 16.91 per 1,000 residents. The state also has a high rate of aggravated assault, which is the most common violent crime in Georgia, occurring at a rate of 277.5 per 100,000 residents (ref).

6. Louisiana

Louisiana has high rates of violent crime, with 177,710 crimes reported in 2018, including 495 homicides, indicating a significant threat to public safety. This high rate of violent crime contributes to a dangerous environment for online daters in Louisiana, making it essential to take extra precautions to ensure safety and security.

7. Texas

Texas ranks in the top 10 most perilous states for online dating bordering its neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana. The state has high rates of sex crimes, with over 19,000 reported cases in 2021 (ref), and only about 1 in 40 sex crimes being reported to the police.

8. Arizona

Arizona is fifth on the list of the nation’s riskiest states for digital romance, where romance scammers prey on unsuspecting victims at an alarming rate of 9.2 per 100,000 residents each year—the highest in the country. Arizonans also face elevated rates of STDs (10th highest in the nation) and fraud (8th highest). 

9. South Carolina

With a ranking of 45th out of 50 states, the Palmetto State is among the most perilous for digital romance, largely due to its alarming rate of sexually transmitted diseases. South Carolina comes in fourth in the nation for reported STDs, clocking in at 1,062 cases per 100,000 residents. 

10. Delaware

According to the report, Delaware sits at a precarious No. 44, making it the seventh most dangerous state in the U.S. for online dating. The state’s troubling statistics include high rates of romance fraud and a large number of sex offenders per capita.

These states have higher rates of romance scams, identity theft, fraud, sex offenders, and violent crime that make them more dangerous for online daters. Remember to stay cautious and avoid sending money to strangers you meet online.

Source:

1. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/02/02/from-looking-for-love-to-swiping-the-field-online-dating-in-the-u-s/
2. https://www.privacyjournal.net/safest-states-for-online-dating/