Internet Dating Safety Tips

In this fast-paced data driven world, more and more singles are looking to Internet dating sites like Match.com and eHarmony in order to find that special someone. While many do find lasting love in the online dating world, many others are burned. Here is a list of Internet dating safety tips.

Internet Dating - One Woman's Story

A few summers back, I attended a Memorial Day picnic at a friend's house. My friend's niece was there with her new, doctor boyfriend. Susan (name changed to protect privacy) had discovered the charismatic doctor on Match.com. Matt (name changed to protect privacy) was not only an accomplished surgeon, but was also the single father of a five-year-old little girl. His wife had died while giving birth to their daughter. Matt regaled us all with interesting anecdotes and stories and I found myself happy for Susan and her new love interest.

A few months later, I ran into my friend and asked her about Susan and Matt. My friend went on to tell me that Matt was a fraud. He was actually married, though his wife was in the process of divorcing him. He had never been a doctor, and had several criminal charges against him. I will admit that I was shocked. Fortunately, Susan was contacted by the wife within a few weeks of meeting Matt, before she became emotionally involved. Here are some Internet safety dating tips to help you avoid a situation like Susan's.

Internet Dating Safety Tip #1 - Avoid Giving Out Too Much Personal Information

You really need to be cautious when dating online. I suggest not giving out your home phone number, address or place of employment until you have been on several dates, and feel comfortable with the person. Online dating experts also suggest setting up a free email account that is not your regular email account, as another way to safeguard your private information. Trust your gut and be cautious. There are many untrustworthy individuals out there.

Internet Dating Safety Tip #2 - Ask for a recent picture

There is nothing wrong with asking for a recent picture of the person you are talking to and/or planning on meeting. If you meet a person, and they do not look like their photo (maybe the photo is 10 years old) that is a red flag that the person is not trustworthy. You have every right to trust your gut and cut the date short.

Internet Dating Safety Tip#3 - Beware of Married People

According to an MSNBC report that was conducted a few years ago, as many as 30% of online daters are married. Look for that telltale wedding band tan line, ask probing questions, and trust your gut. No one wants to waste time with someone who is unavailable.

Internet Dating Safety Tip #4 - Meet in a Public Place

If you are already a seasoned online dater than you probably already know that, it is best to meet in a public place, at least for the first date. I also suggest that you limit your alcohol intake on the first date, and until you have established a sense of trust with your new online friend.

Internet Dating Safety Tip #5 - Paid Dating Sites Are Safer

According to the experts, paid online dating sites are safer than free online dating services. The free online dating services do not even require credit card information, so there really is no identifying information required. This makes free online dating services a magnet for the untrustworthy.

Most importantly trust your gut whether you are going out with someone you have met online or someone you bumped into at your grocery store. If your gut tells you that things just do not seem right, go with that feeling and end the date.