How Can You Improve Your

Online Dating Safety ?

The basic rule for online dating safety is to ask yourself one question - would you do it for offline dating?

If the answer to this question is 'no way!' then why would you do it with online dating?

Because online dating doesn't involve personal, one-to-one encounters (at least for a while) its really easy to get lulled into a false sense of security and to do things you wouldn't normally do.

Its really important to remember that what makes you think you're safe...'they' don't know you... is actually what can make you unsafe when you're dating because you don't know who they really are either. This might seem obvious but sometimes its easy to forget.

So let's identify the three main problems when it comes to online dating safety. And then we'll talk about how you can keep yourself safe when you meet someone through dating websites.

Number one of online dating safety:

The online predator. This is someone who uses dating sites and the internet specifically to come into contact with other people (both men and women) with the intention of meeting them for non-consenting physical or sexual violence.

They are rare but the internet gives them a big pool of potential victims to target. We often think that the main threat is to under-age girls but anyone could be at risk.

Number two of online dating safety:

The sweetheart scammer. This is a growing problem on the internet and it seems to originate in Nigeria. This is basically the internet version of the confidence trickster...targets are 'groomed' to fall in love with their online partner, someone who appears to be living and working abroad . This means the two of you never meet.

This process takes place over a long period of time (months, even years) and eventually the fraudster asks for money. It all seems very believable and some victims have lost thousands of dollars/pounds. Would you believe that a growing number of people choose sweetheart scamming as a full-time job???

Number three of online dating safety:

The agency scammer. This is someone who joins dating sites to try and get members to join other, paying dating sites. Normally it appears they are Russian or Eastern European women who send out a couple of emails and once they think someone is 'hooked' they say further contact can only be made through another site.

Not only is this very annoying and time-wasting but you could also end up spending money on a dating site you didn't really want to join.

All three types of online dating safety problems have one thing in common. The fraudsters normally use fake profiles and fake photos so what you see is not always what you get.

Ok so we know the problems. What are the solutions to make sure you stay safe online?

Firstly, 'knowledge is power'. Now you have an awareness of the potential threat to your online dating safety you are well on your way to protecting yourself.

Secondly, YOU are your best shield in protecting yourself. We are all intuitive and we get 'bad vibes' about certain people. Listen to yourself! Even if you don't believe in a sixth sense our minds are able to pick up clues and process them subconciously without us even knowing.

Thirdly, follow the do's and don't in the list below to help keep you safe:

- set up a new email address when you begin joining dating sites, its easy, quick and free. Never use your personal email address because there's a lot of information about you attached to your address and you leave a web trail about yourself on the internet.

- don't give out personal information to a complete stranger. Your full name, address and phone number should only be given to someone when you're absolutely 100% sure that they're genuine.

- get to know someone a bit over the internet before you meet them, this way you'll be able to find out some important information about them. Be nosey, ask them about their job, family, friends etc and piece together the clues. Someone who is genuine should be flattered that you're taking an interest in them! And after all the whole point of internet dating is to get to know other people.

- when you feel ready to go on a date with someone read our safe dating tips for some useful advice.

- choose the dating sites you join carefully. Some sites, especially the bigger ones, screen members when they join and ban members who have caused problems. Read the terms and conditions of the site to check this out.

Normally the paid-for sites seem to have fewer fake profiles because if someone has to pay they've made a financial investment. Some websites have changed from being free to being paying sites to help cut out the problem of fake profiles. Also there is a better chance of a paper-trail (credit card information etc) with paid sites.

- if you feel unsure about someone do a few background checks on them. Or simply do a googlesearch on their name and see what comes up.

- NEVER send money to someone you've never met even if they say they love you...if someone really loves you they won't be offended by your refusal.

- protect your heart...having an open, loving heart is great but it can leave you vulnerable so use your mind to judge someone as well, especially if you haven't actually met them.

Its a shame that there are a few dishonest people on the internet but they are in the minority. Most people you meet through dating sites will be genuine and there really are a lot of internet dating success stories. So be aware, take sensible precautions and enjoy online dating safety.

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