How To Stay Safe When Using Online Dating

by David Planck⁽⁸⁾
http://romanticity.com

Online dating is an amazing way to meet singles and love interests, but some people don't always have common sense when chatting or meeting for the first time. By following a few safety guidelines and recognizing the common cons that occur in the online dating world, you can keep yourself protected.

Common Sense - When Online Dating

Realize that any person from any country can access dating websites and upload a photo that they found on Google. If anyone ever asks you to donate money or send them money because they are in an emergency situation, don't do it. If you come across anyone asking you for personal information, they may be trying to steal your identity. Information that scam artists need to steal your identity include your name, social security number, bank account information, credit card information, address and phone number.

The following is a list of the common cons that are used in online dating

Talking with people online becomes increasingly difficult as message lengths are shortened While you're dating online you may come across some of the things I'm about to list below. If you do happen to see these things, be careful when talking with the person because it may be a dating scam.

- Chat is vague or doesn't seem to match the topic of conversation, or topics change often over one message or many.

- Receiving messages right away. This may be a robot talking to you, especially if you receive messages at unusual times of day.

- After a quick exchange the other person tells you they wish to talk on another messaging service, or exchange e-mail addresses to talk, share pictures, or view webcam.

- Asks you for money because: It's an emergency and only you can help.

- The person was just widowed and is asking for money or help.

- Wants you to donate to a "cause."

- They claim to be traveling, living, working aboard, or deployed.

- Wants you to send them gifts through a specific service.

- They say that finding you online was fate and request money or other personal information from you.

- If you see their picture being used on another profile with another name and different profile information.

- Their photo seems unrealistic or modified in some way. If the dating website you use has a report feature and you come across any suspicious activity, report that person. It will flag the account to administrators who should personally review the account and delete it if necessary.

When you find singles in your area that you want to chat with, make sure to follow these guidelines to stay safe when you meet.

- Never arrange to be picked up at your house.

- Tell someone where you are going and what time they should expect you back.

- Keep your phone with you and on wherever you go in case of an emergency.

- Meet in a public place with lots of people.

- Stay sober or drink with caution.

- Do not assume that the person you're with is safe or reliable.

- Avoid the perception of any obligation by going 'dutch' on the bill.

- Until you absolutely trust them, use a hotel if you want to get freaky.

- Use a condom.

- Stay aware of the situation until the date is over and you have returned home safely.

Keeping yourself safe both online and offline is very important. Don't get a false sense of security or ignore these rules because you use a dating website that does background checks on its members. People with a criminal record can still get into these websites due to flaws in the background checking system - it's not perfect.

Article submitted Wednesday, January 25, 2012 & read 3 times.

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