10 Tips for Keeping Safe on Hookup Apps
09 May 2025
Gay and bi+ men across Australia have been targeted by a series of violent attacks when using online dating and hookup apps like Grindr. Several groups and individuals have been posing as real users on the platforms to lure men into meeting up.
We know that our community coming forward to report violence has resulted in over 35 arrests in Victoria.
Whilst Grindr can be a valuable resource for finding sex and community connection, users must also remain wary of their safety when meeting partners. We’re breaking down our top tips for keeping safe and how to report suspicious behaviour, including how to speak to an LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer (LLO) at the police.
1. Check They're Real
Beware of fake accounts designed for harm. In recent attacks, perpetrators created highly convincing profiles: complete bios, fluent messages, and multiple photos that all looked genuine. Even experienced app users have been caught off guard. Just because someone’s profile feels “real” doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Attackers now deliberately craft polished, trustworthy-looking personas to gain your confidence. Before agreeing to meet someone, always verify their identity. A short video or voice call can help confirm they are who they say they are — and might save you from walking into a dangerous situation.
2. Report Underage Profiles
Perpetrators often pose as teenagers aged under 18. Remember that Grindr is restricted to those 18 and older, but like many apps, Grindr doesn’t verify identities, and minors can get around the rules.
Immediately disengage and report any users under 18.
3. Where to Meet Up
When meeting someone for the first time, you can minimise your risk by meeting in a public place like a bar, restaurant, or sex-on-premises venue.
If you are meeting up at their place or your place, use your gut. Check them out on a doorbell camera, ask to meet them outside their place before entering, or note a licence plate number if they drive to yours.
Some people prefer to keep things anonymous and may not feel comfortable meeting in a public place. If that’s the case, be extra cautious about where the meetup happens. Avoid remote or isolated areas like parks, carparks, or open fields — especially at night — as these locations make it harder to get help if something goes wrong. Wherever you meet, prioritise your safety first.
4. Use 'Find My'
When hooking up with someone, you can share your location with a trusted friend so they know where you are. Some apps also allow you to share your live location with trusted contacts for added security during meet ups. Alternatively, let someone know where you're going and you'll text them when you return.
Avoid remote or isolated areas like parks, carparks, or open fields (unless it's a known beat) as these locations make it harder to get help if something goes wrong.
5. Keep it on the Hookup App
Some perpetrators will ask to take the conversation off Grindr to another platform like Snapchat. Some photo-sharing and messaging apps have location-sharing data that may identify where you are posting from (like Snapchats ‘SnapMap’). If you are communicating via another app, find out how to disable your location sharing.
Keep your chat on the app so that when you report a user, Grindr can automatically upload copies of your messages.
6. Uploading Secure Photos
Review your photo album, including your public and private pictures to see what details you might accidentally be sharing. Check if any images have details about your home, workplace, or street signs in the background. Details like these make it easier for people to find you off the app.
Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, workplace or address in your profile. Keep your profile simple.
7. Linking to Social Media
Be cautious about linking your Grindr profile to other social media accounts. What's on your Instagram or X account? Are there pictures of you and your mates hanging around at your place? Think about making these accounts private or consider removing them from your Grindr profile.
Users who ask for your logins or passwords for any online accounts should be treated with suspicion and reported or blocked. Be wary of malicious accounts or bots who may share links taking you to dangerous sites.
8. Stay Updated on Online Dating Scams
Keep informed about the scams and threats targeting Grindr users. Some common Grindr scams involve the scammer asking you to prove your love or loyalty by transferring money to them.
You should also watch out for phishing attempts and blackmail. Regularly check Grindr’s safety blog for updates.
Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, workplace or address in your profile. Keep your profile simple.
9. Report It
In an emergency, you should always call 000. Our communities have had complicated relationships with the police, and you may be worried about contacting the local police. If that’s the case, you can call your local station and ask to speak to an LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officer (LLO). LLOs provide specialised response to LGBTIQ+ people, and understand about gay hookup culture.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Privacy concerns can make reporting feel risky, police won’t go through your whole phone — they only need evidence relevant to the case, such as screenshots or chat logs. Reporting can help prevent others from being harmed, and it's an important step in stopping repeat offenders.
If you need police assistance and the matter is not urgent, call 131 444 or make a report online at Police Assistance Line Online Reporting. Not everyone in our community feels safe to contact the police and you can anonymously report through Crimestoppers.
10. Get Support
Experiencing assault, threatening behaviour or homophobic violence cans severely impact our health and wellbeing. Thorne Harbour Health also offers a range of services, including counselling and support groups, with reduced wait times for people who have experienced attacks. If you’ve been a victim of any online or in-person crime, it might help to speak to someone about how it’s affecting you.
Call our friendly intake team on (03) 9865 6700 to find a service.