Protecting Yourself While Online Dating

Online dating has many exciting advantages over traditional
methods of finding dates. It saves you time; since you will not
have to go out on actual dates until you have had long online
chats, you will be able to gauge if you’re going to like the
other person when you finally meet face to face. Online dating
also saves you money; since most of your initial meetings happen
online, you don’t have to spend money on new clothes and you
don’t have to spend money for dinner, drinks, etc. However, even
with all these pluses, there are dangers to online dating that
you have to be aware of and strive to avoid. Beyond the
heartbreaking lies of appearance, age and other personal details
there are those out there trying to out right defraud and steal
from you!

Scammers

Men and women have all fallen victim to online dating scammers.
Online crooks have various and extremely creative modus operandi
so you always have to be on the look out for the signs that a
person you’ve been dating online is actually on the prowl for an
easy prey. The best way to tell that a date is a out to scam you
is when he or she begins to ask you for some money.

Do not be a victim of online scammers. If your online date is
asking you for money, you must begin to doubt the person’s
motives. Do not wire your online date any money. However
heartbreaking his or her story is, you have to retain a healthy
dose of skepticism. If a person truly likes and respects you, he
or she will have the good sense not to ask you for any money.

Frauds

There are people who frequent online dating sites to find
susceptible and naive victims. Be protective of your personal
information. Do not give out your phone number, address, email
address, or your full name. You have to check out a person
thoroughly before you trust him or her with your personal
information. Only give your phone number out to another person
after you’ve had plenty of experience dealing with him or her or
you have come to know each other through several face to face
dates.

By the way, never ever give out your banking and credit card
information to anyone in the online dating scene. Even if he or
she makes your heart sing, he or she can still be a crook in
sheep’s clothing. Be sensible, please.

Criminals and Crooks

It is sad but there are truly crooks and criminals who take
advantage of the anonymity of online dating. Be wary of meeting
your dates for the first time. It is preferable that you meet
your date in a singles mixer or a singles dating event that your
online dating site has sponsored. This way, you will be able to
meet your online date while in the company of other people.
If your online dating site does not organize mixers for
members, then be sure to arrange for a lunch date in a public
place. If it is at all possible, you should bring one or two
friends with you, too.

About the Author: Matt Matcherson is a writer, musician and
humorist. Sometimes he even writes funny music. His site
MatchTales features online dating stories, site reviews and free
dating support forums. http://www.matchtales.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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