5 Online Dating Safety Tips
By Michael Lewis
Online dating is an excellent way to meet people as long as it is done safely. Before you begin chatting with those strangers on the other line, make sure to take a few minutes to make sure that you know what you should and shouldn't be doing. Like any type of dating, it is important to realize that you do not know the other person on the other side of the instant message. In fact, the online dating game makes it even harder to know who is out there. Here are some simple, effective ways for knowing how to stay safe during online dating.
Tip One: Never give out personal information. One of the most vulnerable ways that this can happen is simply telling someone your credit card number, your online passwords, or your social security number. If they want to buy something for you, or need to borrow some money, run. Even if you have talked to them for years, you should never provide this information on the web. Instead, send them a money order or make the purchase yourself.
Tip Two: Beware of people who lie to you. Now, this may seem quite simple as no one wants to be around those that lie. But, in the online dating game, you really need to watch for those mistakes. As they found you, they can find others. In other words, don't think that you are the only one that they are chatting with. One thing the online dating world is not is exclusive. Lying can be a sign that they are keeping things from you that are much larger. Be wary of this.
Tip Three: Don't provide your home address to anyone. Again, you do not really know these people nor do you want some nut case showing up at your house. Don't think they will do that? Ask yourself why they wouldn't. Never provide your last name either if you information is listed in phone books or the web. Just make one up or simply don't give one out. Having a name, phone number and address of an individual is enough to get some loans.
Tip Four: If you plan to meet them, meet them in an open, crowded place and stay there. Your first meeting should be someplace like a restaurant, a park or a movie theater where there are many people around for your own safety. Also, don't stray from that location. On a first date like this, you shouldn't trust anyone.
Tip Five: When you are participating in online dating, you need to properly prepare yourself. Many of the people that get on the web to find someone to talk to are just fine, but there are those that are looking at you as if you are prey. Not only do you need to protect your safety, but you also need to protect your heart. Don't put it on the line. Make sure your just looking for friends at first. If by that slim chance you do find someone to love, that's great. But protecting yourself first and foremost is your goal in every online dating relationship that you enter.
About the Author: Michael Lewis writes for AdviceAboutRelationships.com where you can find more articles about online dating services.
|