Safety When Meeting Someone You Met Online: Guidance for High-Net-Worth Individuals
Short answer: Wealthy and recognisable people can be targeted by romance scams, blackmail or people seeking publicity. Simple steps such as verifying identity, meeting in public and keeping your address private reduce the risk without making dating impossible.
Before meeting
- Do a reverse image search on photos.
- Have a video call first.
- Be wary of quick declarations of love or requests for money or investment.
- Keep your home address and financial details private.
The first meeting
- Meet in a busy public venue you know.
- Arrange your own transport.
- Tell a trusted person where you are.
- Keep drinks in sight.
Discreet support
Some clients ask a driver or officer to wait nearby. This should be discreet and never intrusive. Background checks on individuals must be carried out lawfully.
Checking a provider
Check any officer on the SIA public register before appointing them. Ask for a written risk assessment, clear confidentiality terms and the names of the officers who will attend.
Next step
VIP Protection Services provides discreet, SIA-licensed close protection across London, the UK and internationally, with every arrangement subject to risk assessment and officer availability. See our close protection services, personal protection or executive protection across the UK. You can call 020 3488 5714, WhatsApp us or send your requirements. Written quotations are usually provided the same working day.
Where anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. Private security never replaces the police or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Security Services
Explore the services referenced in this guide, or arrange a professional security assessment.
About the Author
Roy
Director, VIP Protection Services
Roy is a Director of VIP Protection Services, overseeing SIA-licensed close protection, executive protection, corporate security and residential security across the UK. He personally writes and reviews every guide, checking each against current SIA licensing rules and BS 7858:2019 screening standards before publication.
- SIA Close Protection licensed officers
- BS 7858:2019 screened (5-year vetting)
- Documented assignment planning
“Discreet, impeccably presented and completely reliable. They planned the detail properly rather than simply putting people on the ground — which is exactly what we needed.”
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