Dating safely
Most people you meet are exactly who they say. These habits protect you from the few who aren’t.
Report romance fraud
If someone you met online asks for money, crypto or gift cards, stop and report it to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025, online or on 0300 123 2040. If you have already sent money, call your bank straight away. In an emergency, call 999.
Only get into a booked minicab
In Oxford, taxis with a white plate can be hailed or taken from a rank. Minicabs have a yellow plate and can only carry people who have booked through a licensed operator, so never get into one that has not been booked.
Source: Oxford City Council: Types of taxi that can be hired by the public
Be off the river before dark
At Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, hired punts must be back at least half an hour before sunset, and hire stops altogether from December to January. Plan river dates for daylight, and expect hire to stop in bad weather.