There are many benefits to online dating. After all, it allows you to interact with people you normally wouldn’t have a chance to meet in person. And there are many success stories of girls finding their prince charming on dating sites or apps. However, there are also many horror stories.

If you’re new to online dating, you’re probably still not sure how to determine which men are worth your attention. Let’s take a closer look at the red flags that will tell you when and how to avoid boys that are bad news.

Be Wary of these Online Dating Red Flags

Here are some red flags of online dating you need to look out for.

1. Lack of Profile Photos

If he has no profile photos, take that as a big red flag. Highly filtered profile pictures or ones that obscure their face are another sign that they’re trying to hide something from you. Why don’t they want you to see their face?

2. Their Bio Doesn’t Tell You Anything About Them

Don’t bother giving them a second glance if they can’t even be bothered to add anything to their bio. If they don’t have time for that, they don’t have time for a relationship. A limited bio isn’t any better either. It doesn’t have to be a college essay. It just needs to tell you who they are and what they’re looking for.

3. They Make Excuses Not to Answer Phone or Video Calls

This is a big sign that your online lover may be a catfish. There’s no reason not to answer your calls or meet with you in person—unless they’re hiding something. If this has gone on for a few months already, ditch that person and move on. Nothing good will come out of this relationship.

4. He Turns Every Text into a Sext

There’s really nothing wrong with sexting. In fact, it’s a good way to keep things exciting between you and your online lover. But when he steers every conversation in a sexual direction, that should give you an idea of what he’s really after.

Different Types of Guys to Avoid When Dating Online

Avoid these four types of guys at all costs in online dating sites or apps.

1. The Scammer

There are many predators online who will use a woman’s eagerness to find love and attention against them. Asking you for money is a dead giveaway that someone is trying to scam you. The minute your online date starts asking for favors or—worse—money, run the other way as fast as you can. Never give money to anyone, especially someone you just met online.

2. The Sexter

A little sexting here and there is an excellent way to spice things up. But when all he does is send you nude photos of himself and asks you for the same, that’s not a good thing. A man who is serious about building a relationship with you will take time to really talk and get to know you.

3. The One Who Can’t Get Over His Ex

You can’t have a relationship with someone who is stuck in his past. It’s like joining a no-win love triangle. The most obvious sign that he isn’t over his ex is that he can’t stop talking about her. He may even compare you to her. Another sign is if his social media and phone are littered with her photos.

4. Mr. Mysterious

Guys who try to hide their identity on dating sites or apps are often in a relationship but want to cheat. Or they’re just really trying to be mysterious. But do you really want to risk it?

Takeaway

Online dating is just like regular dating. It’s meant to start a relationship with someone, so it shouldn’t stay online forever. Knowing the types of guys to avoid can help you focus on finding the right man for you.