Common Safety Tips for Online Dating

Meeting someone on the World Wide Web is inherently similar to meeting someone offline, security and safety-wise. As long as the same standard dating precautions are followed, cyber-savvy daters can feel truly at ease while getting to know each other. Just remember: trust your instincts and use common sense just like you would offline.

Common Safety Tips & Guidelines:

• Since you are in control of your online experience at all times, remember that you can remain completely anonymous until you feel ready.
• You are also in control when it comes to taking an online relationship to the next level. Plus, you have an advantage online because you can get to know each other before you meet. Remember that you don't need to take anything further than the computer or phone wires until you feel completely at ease. Go at your own pace!
• When you do decide to meet face to face, pick a public place and provide your own transportation to and fro.
• Never disclose your personal or contact information in your profile, especially telephone numbers, email, home address or your full name, and only give them out when your instincts tell you this is someone you can trust. It's okay to take your time.
• Set up an email account just for online personals.
• Ask a lot of questions and watch for inconsistencies or any usual patterns.
• Stay away from members who won't take no for an answer or pressure you for any kind of personal information. Serious cyber-savvy daters will respect your space and allow you to take your time.
• If someone asks you to go to their personal web site or asks you for money, use common sense not to oblige and then report the situation to us.
• If someone gives you a phone number with a strange area code, check it out to make sure it's not a charge number before you make the call.
• Using your own good judgment is your best bet because ultimately you are responsible for your personal dating experience. Trust your instincts and then have fun with the right people!
• Never give out your home phone number as an initial means of contact. Use an e-mail address or cell phone if you can
• If you're planning on meeting someone, inform your friends or family about your meeting place, the time you are meeting and check in when you return home. Tell at least two people where you're going, the person's name, their general description, and your expected time home
• Always meet someone in a neutral location. Never have them come to your home or place of work to pick you up.
• Always meet someone in a public place, such as a restaurant, or a movie theatre.
• Always be aware of the personal information you're revealing to a date.
• If you meet someone for a date, carry a cell phone with you and make arrangements with a friend to be available for you to call should there be a problem.
• Use common sense. If you get a bad "vibe" maybe it's time to end the date.
• Your common sense is your best protection!