South and North Carolina Rank Among Riskiest States for Online Dating in 2025
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – A new report shows both Carolinas among the riskiest states for online dating in 2025, with South Carolina ranking in the top 10 and North Carolina not far behind.
Privacy Journal’s 2025 Study
The annual “Safest States for Online Dating” study from Privacy Journal analyzed 100 U.S. cities across six major risk categories:
- Identity theft
- Romance scams
- Fraud reports
- STD incidence
- Registered sex offenders
- Violent crime rates
This year’s update paints a troubling picture for the Carolinas, placing both states high on the danger list for singles navigating dating apps.
South Carolina Among Top 10 Most Dangerous
South Carolina was ranked as the 7th most dangerous state for online dating. Data shows troubling numbers across multiple categories:
- STD rate: 888.9 per 100,000 residents
- Violent crime rate: 468.2 per 100,000 residents
- Registered sex offenders: 340 per 100,000 residents
- Fraud reports: 324 per 100,000 residents
Researchers say these figures put South Carolina near the bottom of the national rankings for online dating safety.
North Carolina in Top 20
Neighboring North Carolina was also flagged, coming in as the 16th most dangerous state. While the state’s violent crime rate was lower than South Carolina’s, it showed higher STD numbers:
- STD rate: 901.9 per 100,000 residents
- Violent crime rate: 373.75 per 100,000 residents
- Registered sex offenders: 266 per 100,000 residents
- Fraud cases: 285 per 100,000 residents
National Rankings
The report also highlighted the extremes across the U.S.:
- Safest: Vermont ranked best overall, with the lowest STD rate and the second-lowest identity theft rate. Maine and New Hampshire followed closely behind.
- Most dangerous: Nevada came in at the bottom, ranking poorly across nearly every safety category. Alaska also ranked near the bottom.
- Other highlights: New Jersey reported the lowest sex offender rate, while Oregon had the highest. Arizona led in romance scam cases, while Mississippi had the fewest.
Risks for Carolinas’ Online Daters
Experts warn that the Carolinas’ rankings underscore the risks for people meeting strangers online. From exposure to fraud and identity theft to physical safety concerns, advocates say awareness and protective measures are essential for those turning to dating apps in 2025.
Do you think stricter laws or better digital safety tools could help reduce online dating risks in the Carolinas? Share your views with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
