Online Dating Safety Tips: Common Sense & Common Cons

Online dating is an exciting way to meet new friends and that special someone, but some people don't always have common sense when talking or when they first have a meeting. By following a few safety guidelines and recognizing the common cons that occur in the online dating world, you can keep yourself protected.

Remember to use common sense when dating online.

First, we must recognize the truth: anyone from anywhere can create a profile with a picture they found on Google image search. If anyone asks you for your personal or financial information, a huge red flag should come up. Never give out any information that identifies you to a person you don't know. 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.

Common Cons - Things to Look For

Messaging on the Internet is tough, especially in cases where you're limited to 140 characters. 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.

- Messages to you seem vague or doesn't match the conversation you are trying to have.
- Receiving messages right after you send them, no matter what time of day you sent them.
- 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.
- Asks for your address so they can send you gifts (flowers, etc).
- They talk about finding your profile or sending your message as "written in the stars," "destiny" or "fate."
- You see that their picture has been used in another profile. You could save their picture and use a reverse image search to find the source of the image.
- You suspect that their photo has been edited or modified in some way. Scam artists use Photoshop to change photos in order to make them more appealing.

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.

- Don't have the person pick you up at your own house.
- Inform someone of where you're going and when they should expect you back.
- Keep your phone with you and on wherever you go in case of an emergency.
- Meet somewhere public that has many people and try to stay there.
- Be cautious when you drink.
- Don't assume the person you're with is safe.
- Avoid the perception of any obligation by going 'dutch' on the bill.
- Don't bring your date back to your home, or go to theirs - go to a hotel.
- 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. Try this safe free dating site if you're still looking for a site to join: http://romanticity.com

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=247045