Not Taking Chances: Internet Dating Safety

About 120,000 marriages each and every year started with online dating, that is according to Online Dating Magazine in 2007. Meeting possible love matches online is attracting more and more individuals. In the Pew Internet and American Life Project Report (released in March 2006), 31% of American adults have stated that they have utilized an online dating service.

But online dating is not without any risks. There are currently numerous individuals who have fallen victims of online scammers. Scammers would frequently enter legitimate sites and befriend individuals, gaining their trusts. Eventually, they would secure enough individual information for them to take advantage, ask for cash or worse steal your personality.

The online dating sites may say that they’re doing background checks on their members. However, a background check can’t be performed that simply since there are different laws about this in different states. This is one more reason why you should still be on guard when entering an online dating site.

Whenever you’re entering any online dating sites, there are some precautions which you would need to keep in mind.

• Select a great and reputable online dating site

It would be better to stick with paid online dating services. Free online dating sites are easier to access, even by dangerous individuals. Be aware if a particular dating site has privacy policies. These policies ensure that your individual information is safe from spammers and hackers. Also, if the site looks disorganized and lacks accurate information, then it may be better to visit other sites.

• Avoid giving too much information.

Be cautious when talking or chatting in online dating sites. Information like full name and house phone quantity can be utilized track your address and other individual information. Scammers, of course, would not ask for your social security quantity directly but there are methods for them to find out.

You could use a free of charge email account (Yahoo!, Hotmail or Gmail) which is different from your regular email address. When giving out phone numbers, it is safer to use your cell phone quantity or you could even have the calls in Skype or in Yahoo!.<br> If a person makes you uncomfortable or you noticed some strange behaviour and inconsistencies, then you could stop communicating with the person.

• Take it slow

You do not need to be in a hurry when setting the very first meeting. Get to understand each other very first, through emails and calls. When communicating with emails, pay attention to the content of their messages. Are they answering any questions or they just rant on about themselves? Scammers would usually produce a standard email which he may simultaneously use in different online sites. One more warning sign is when you can’t get them within the other end from the phone line. The quantity may be unreachable or blocked by the cellphone user.

If a meeting is currently arranged, make certain which you would be meeting in a public place. You could tell some friends that you’re meeting the person and also supply the required details from the meeting. Preferably, drive or go to the meeting place or location, alone. Avoid asking somebody or the date to pick you up and drop you off, they would know instantly where your house is.

There’s no rush in online dating. It is important to take your time and get to understand the person you’re talking to. Do everything according to your own pace. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious users. Website administrators would be able to perform their duties well if they’re correctly informed.

Additional Resources
True Romance Online