Saftey and On-Line Dating
Always play it safe!

While on-line dating is usually safe, it never hurts to remember that there are always bad apples out there.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when meeting people on-line.

• No rush, no pressures. Take your time getting to know someone using the site's messenger and chat features first. Pressure to meet in person should raise a red flag. Meet only when you are ready to meet.

• Beware of the perfect match. Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Does he or she agree with everything or keep tossing words like "soul mate" around long before you have had time to get to know each other? Everyone is unique and we all have our quirks. When someone seems too perfect proceed with caution.

• Watch for inconsistencies such as with age, interests, marital status, appearance and employment. Is someone CEO one day and complaining about his or her boss the next? Do they contradict themselves in the course of a conversation? Remember not everyone is who or what they say they are. When something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Frauds tend to not take well when such inconsistencies are questioned. If they respond defensively or get angry it's time to move on.

• Maintain your comfort zone. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection. Make your limits known and do not accept any pressure to exceed them. Period.

• Guard your anonymity. The idea of using an on-line personals is to be able to protect your identity until you decide to reveal it. Things like your last name are simply not necessary, nor should you need to give out your street address, personal email address or phone number to someone until you are formally dating. Be wary of anyone asking for that information. Ask why they want it and note their answer and their reaction.

• Request photos. While it is one thing not to want to place your photo on a public ad, it is another thing to consistently avoid sending one in a private conversation or chat. The story of not having a photo to send is a poor excuse as there are several ways to get a photo scanned if they do not have a webcam or digital cameral. After you have exchanged photos ask for another one. This will help better ensure the photo is legitimate. It is not unrealistic to expect a few photos from different settings. Someone using a fake picture probably only has one or two from the same source. Too many excuses should raise a red flag.

• If chatting on the phone do not call from your home or office unless you know how to block caller ID. Only give out your phone number when you feel ready.

• Safe sex. Do I really have to say it these days? Should be a given. If you just met, you need to play it safe since you don't know his or her history. And if you met just for sex then you need to be all the more careful since that is high risk activity. Not a judgment call here... just saying it like it is.

• Use common sense. If you feel uncomfortable or if your date is acting in any way inappropriate, leave. Don't get too lost in romantic notions that you get caught up in the excitement of the moment. Think before you act.

	Safety
	Confidentiality
	Red Flags
	Meeting Safety Tips
	Stalking/Threats
	Scams