10 Online Dating Safety Tips

Online dating! We hear so much about it, yet so many of us are so apprehensive about trying it out. What is really stopping us from exploring this unique and exhilarating world of Internet or online dating? There are thousands of people who are getting married and thank the love affair that started on the Internet. Even staggering is the number of people who are involved in an online relationship, the number is in millions. So why shouldn’t you be one of those who are finding love on the internet, especially when technology is growing and making the world smaller and all parts of the world easily accessible. Though the world is a big place, and certainly the virtual world is flooded with weirdoes and sexual predators, the Internet is relatively safe for dating. All you have to do is adhere to some safe dating tips and you should be perfectly fine.

Here are 10 tips to help you find the perfect partner online

1. Rely on your instincts - Ever got that feeling that something just isn't right? Ever got the feeling that something bad was going to happen? And if you are ever right, you have a strong gut instinct. Women have been said to have six senses, the sixth being their intuition. Most women rely on their intuitive skill to guide them. So when you as a woman, get the feeling that something or someone isn't right, then stay away. You could get that feeling at any point during the online dating scene, whether you are reading a profile, reading an email or speaking on the phone, something can trigger off that 'not right' feeling, and it is best that you abide by it and steer clear of that person.
2. Do not give too much information too soon - To be safe and sound where Internet or online dating is concerned requires restrain from your end. Everyone is tempted to take things a step further and give information like home phone numbers and addresses. It would be wise if you did not till you were completely sure about the person. Giving personal information could be the worst mistake of your life. With a simple home phone number, you can be a victim of lots of crimes like fraud, cons and sexual abuse. Imagine what would happen if you give your home address! The best thing you can do is avoid giving any phone numbers and addresses till after the third date with a person you have met online. Till then communicate via email or on your cell phone.
3. Make the most of email services - If you are communicating with a person through email or thinking of using your email address to sign up with one of the thousand online dating sites. These sites normally ask for your email address and it is best if you give an alternate email address that could be used exclusively for dating communication. While signing up for these email accounts avoid using your last name, only put in your first name, as this is safer and your personal information cannot be found and misused.
4. Cell phone or phone chat service for communication - If you think you are ready to take your online dating to another level and want to talk on the phone to give it a more personal touch, then consider using your cell phone or a phone chat service that keeps your personal information anonymous. Never give out your home phone number to people who you do not know, always use your cell phone or an anonymous phone chat service. This ensures your privacy and safety where online dating is concerned.
5. Steer clear of married people - Did you know that according a study, more than 30% of people who use online dating services are married? No one knows why married people use online dating services. It could be to meet new people, to break free from the boredom of married life or it could be that they just want some excitement. But it is happening, and you would be wise to stay away from these married people. These people are not going to tell you that they are married, but you just have to recognize the signs and beware.
6. Identify unpleasant characteristics - When you start to communicate with a person in the virtual world it is going to be difficult for you to understand what kind of person he or she is and the personality. You need to identify characteristics that do not appeal to you before you take the relationship to another level. Does the person avoid some questions? Is the person prone to temper tantrums or have a tendency to control? These are things that you need to find out before they get out of hand.
7. Get a new photo - It is always better if you ask a person for a new or latest photograph. If the person does not have a photograph on their online profile, then ask for one to be sent via email. It is always best to have a photograph that has been recently taken so that you know what they look like before you decide to meet in person. This avoids all kind of unpleasantness later. You can even judge the persons character because of this, if they have sent you a picture that doesn't match with what they look then you know the person is not honest.
8. Paid online dating services - While free online dating services are definitely easier on the pocket, they can be dangerous and are a virtual playground for predators and weirdoes. Paid online dating services are safer, even though they include a fee for their use. This is a benefit in the sense that only those who are really interested in some serious dating will dish out the dough. When you pay for a service, you definitely get the best for your money's worth. 9. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security - Most online dating sites claim 'background checks' so most people think these are thorough and they are safe. This is not true. Do not let your guard down around people just because the site claims to have conducted 'background checks'.
9. Always meet in public places - When you have scheduled a 'date' with the person you have been dating online, it is always best to meet in a public place. This ensures that you are safe from predators who only want an opportunity to meet alone. If possible go on a double date or a group date.