Safety tips: Safe and successful relationships with eÇift
With eÇift, you are closer than ever to finding the person of your dreams. Thanks to the eÇift Ideal Match Method, you are introduced to members with a very high potential for long-lasting happiness. At the same time, our team of experts is always by your side to support you with any questions you may have. It is extremely important to us that you can use eÇift’s services comfortably and safely.
Measures eÇift takes to ensure your safety
When searching for the person you want to share your life with on eÇift, you can remain anonymous. We take numerous precautions to identify and remove individuals who attempt to misuse our services before any harm occurs. In the Terms of Use section, we explain in detail what is not permitted on our site and what you should pay attention to when using eÇift.
You decide how long you want to remain anonymous
eÇift does not share your private information such as your name, email address, phone number, or home address with other members (only your city and district are visible in member suggestions). This sensitive information is protected by our security settings, and you are introduced to suggested members only via your user ID. eÇift provides you with an anonymous platform to meet other members. You decide when and how much personal information you want to share. Likewise, you decide individually for each member who can see your photos.
To protect members’ privacy, messages exchanged between two members are not monitored. Therefore, the content of messages and any information shared within them are the sole responsibility of the members involved.
Tips for safe connections via email and phone
1. Do not share personal information too early
Be especially cautious. Take advantage of the benefits of messaging in a protected environment and avoid sharing your email address or phone number too early, even if the conversation starts off very positively. Before moving on to the next step, make sure you get to know the other person well. Talking on the phone can be an important step in getting to know someone better, but first make sure the other person respects your privacy and will react with understanding if you later decide to end communication.
2. Give yourself time
Meeting and chatting with someone online often creates a sense of comfort, closeness, and intimacy. That is why it is important to give yourself enough time. Continue your conversations within eÇift’s secure environment for as long as possible. Meeting in person is an important step toward a meaningful relationship, but before arranging a date, take as much time as you need and do not share personal information unless you truly feel ready.
3. Communicating via email
When searching for the right person, create an anonymous email account with a major provider such as Gmail or Outlook, and make sure your name is not automatically visible in your emails.
4. Your first phone call
Make your first phone calls using your mobile phone. Check with your mobile provider whether your address is shared when your number is searched, and if so, consider using a different number. If only the other person has shared their number, initially set your phone so your number is hidden. You may also consider using a prepaid SIM card that can be easily canceled.
5. 0900 numbers
Never call such numbers, even if the other person insists, and report such cases to eÇift immediately.
6. Requests for money
Never accept requests for money or loans, or offers involving money transfers or shipping goods. Even if phone conversations feel warm and sincere or the person claims to be in serious distress, always refuse such requests.
7. Be sensible and trust your instincts
Whether online or offline, your common sense and intuition help you make the right decisions and protect yourself from potential risks. If you feel uncomfortable continuing contact with someone, even without a specific reason, end communication (you can remove the member from your list by clicking the “Remove from my list” button on their profile). If you believe a member is misusing eÇift, report the profile or message using the “Report message” link.
8. Do not let excitement override common sense
Getting to know a member you like can be exciting, but do not let excitement or hopes override your judgment. Always try to view situations objectively and logically. Remember that you also play an important role in ensuring your own safety.
Be cautious with personal information and money
Unfortunately, scammers seeking money or sensitive personal information sometimes misuse the internet. eÇift takes numerous precautions to ensure your safety while searching for a serious relationship online. By remaining vigilant, you can help prevent harm to yourself and others.
If you encounter one or more of the situations described below, be cautious. Signs of a scammer often appear early, though some may only emerge later. If you are unsure, immediately end communication and contact customer support.
Signs that the other person may be a scammer
• Messages or profile texts written in a foreign language or poor Turkish, often with spacing errors due to translation tools
• Mass messages that do not reference your profile or previous messages
• Early requests to continue communication via MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo, foreign phone numbers, or 0900 numbers
• Tragic life stories accompanied by financial hardship (medical emergencies, theft, travel, visa or education expenses, unpaid checks, etc.)
• Requests for money transfers, especially via Western Union
Typical methods used by male scammers
• Frequent use of words like “confidential” or “secret”
• Early use of affectionate nicknames and declarations of love
• Unstable moods and long apology messages following rude behavior
• Overly emotional and dramatic explanations when asking for money
Typical methods used by female scammers
• High-quality, professional photos similar to those of models
• Incorrect Turkish usage in messages and profiles
• Claims of being from Eastern Europe or sharing Eastern European phone numbers
• Frequently stating occupations such as unemployed, housewife, or hairdresser
• Young, attractive profiles expressing interest in significantly older men
• Excessively enthusiastic messages (“I loved your profile,” “I was so happy to receive your message,” etc.)
• Messages or profiles stating “Serious people only,” “I’m looking to get married,” “I don’t go online often, please leave your number,” or “Please call this number”
Email fraud (phishing)
Phishing is a type of fraud aimed at obtaining sensitive financial information such as credit card numbers or online banking credentials via email. Scammers pose as trustworthy individuals or companies and send fake emails that appear official. These emails often ask recipients to visit a website and enter personal details.
Be cautious with emails that appear to come from official organizations. Grammar and spelling mistakes, generic greetings without your name, and a sense of urgency (“Reply within two days,” etc.) should raise suspicion. Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate responses.
When you decide to become a Premium Member, you enter your credit card details only during the payment process. Your card information is used solely for processing the payment and is never requested again, neither by email nor through any other channel.
How to protect yourself from scams
• Report suspicious messages or profiles using the “Report message” link and include the reason
• End communication if something feels off while interacting with a member
• Research the member’s name using search engines
• Never send money to someone you do not know well, no matter how friendly conversations may seem
• Even if you feel sympathy for a member’s alleged misfortune, remember that someone asking for money online is very likely a scammer. Ask yourself: if you were in the same situation, would you ask a stranger you just met online for help instead of friends or family?
• If you have serious suspicions or concerns, report the matter to the public prosecutor’s office
17 rules for a successful first date
Meeting and chatting with someone online can feel comfortable and familiar. Continue your conversations within eÇift’s secure environment for as long as possible. While the eÇift Ideal Match Method suggests compatible members, getting to know each other in person is still essential. To ensure your first meeting is safe and successful, please keep the following in mind:
1. Choose the time and place carefully. Lunch can be a good option. Always meet in a public place where you feel safe.
2. Do not let the other person pick you up at home. Use public transportation or your own car.
3. If meeting in another city, arrange your own travel and accommodation.
4. Inform at least one friend or family member about the meeting.
5. Let someone know where and when you are meeting, and arrange a check-in afterward.
6. Share the other person’s name and phone number with someone you trust.
7. During the meeting, check in with your trusted contact if possible.
8. Consider meeting with a friend or as part of a group.
9. Even if you feel familiar through messages and calls, remember that this is still a stranger.
10. Do not let the person take you home after the first date, even if it went very well.
11. Always have a backup plan and stay in places where help is nearby.
12. Bring your phone, keep it charged, and save emergency contacts.
13. Keep an eye on your drink, wallet, and personal belongings.
14. Do not meet at your home or workplace until you know each other well.
15. Avoid ordering expensive items unless you know how the bill will be handled.
16. Getting to know someone takes time. Someone who truly cares will respect that.
17. Always use common sense, trust your instincts, and never allow anyone to pressure you.
At eÇift, we do everything we can to make your journey toward a happy relationship as safe and comfortable as possible. We hope these tips help you while searching for the person you want to share your life with and wish you many exciting conversations and meaningful connections.
