Safety Tips

Most people you meet on the road are exactly who they say they are. These habits help keep it that way, whether you are meeting a new friend, joining a convoy or going on a date.

Last updated: 16 October 2026

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In an emergency, call 999. If you are in danger and cannot speak, call 999 from a mobile, listen to the operator, then press 55 when prompted. This is the Silent Solution, and it lets the police know you need help.

1. Before you meet

  • Chat on VanDates first, and get a feel for someone before sharing your phone number or other social media.
  • Have a video call before meeting in person. If someone always has an excuse not to, be cautious.
  • Check their photos. A reverse image search can show whether they appear somewhere else under another name.
  • Do not share your exact pitch, your vehicle registration or where you sleep until you trust someone.
  • Trust your instincts. You never have to explain why you are not comfortable.

2. Meeting for the first time

  • Meet somewhere public and busy, ideally in daylight: a café, a pub or a well-used car park.
  • Tell a friend where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to be back. Tap Share on your plan to send them the details by WhatsApp, text or email in one go.
  • Get there under your own steam and keep your own way to leave.
  • Your van, your rules. You do not have to invite anyone into your van, and it is wise not to on a first meeting.
  • Keep an eye on your drink, and know your limits.

3. Parking up near people you have met

  • Only share where you are parked once you are comfortable, and only with people you trust.
  • Park so you can drive away easily. If you can, choose a vehicle layout that lets you reach the driver’s seat without going outside.
  • Keep your keys in the same place every night.
  • If a spot or a person feels wrong, move on. That is one of the best things about living on wheels.

4. Spotting scams

Be wary of anyone who:

  • asks for money, gift cards, bank details or crypto, whatever the reason;
  • wants to move the conversation off VanDates very quickly;
  • tells an urgent sob story or offers an investment opportunity;
  • never video calls, or whose story keeps changing.

Report them to us. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you can also report fraud to Report Fraud, the national reporting service run by the City of London Police, on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.

5. Staying safe online

  • Think carefully before sending intimate photos to anyone.
  • If someone threatens to share intimate images of you, do not pay and do not send more. Stop contact, keep the evidence and report it to us and the police.
  • The Revenge Porn Helpline can help get images removed: 0345 6000 459 or revengepornhelpline.org.uk.
  • For independent advice on safe online dating, see Get Safe Online.

6. If something goes wrong

  • Emergency: 999
  • Non-emergency police: 101
  • Report to VanDates: use the report button, or see our Reporting & Complaints page
  • Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (free, 24 hours): 0808 2000 247
  • Live Fear Free (Wales, free, 24 hours): 0808 80 10 800
  • Rape Crisis England & Wales (24/7 support line): 0808 500 2222
  • Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02
  • Victim Support (free, 24/7): 08 08 16 89 111
  • National Stalking Helpline (free, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust): 0808 802 0300

You are never to blame for someone else’s behaviour.