Be Wary of Online Dating Red Flags

We communicate with family and friends, shop for everything from diamonds to dog food and research for our college thesis or the latest wrinkle creams using the World Wide Web. An integral part of our lives, the Internet has become entwined in almost every facet of our lives, including our social and love life. In fact, one of the most popular ways for people looking to date today is through online dating services.

No longer looked at as an act of desperation, a dating service can help you meet people not only in your local area but around the world. One of the fasting growing sectors of the Internet, an online dating service is available for any and every type of interest, hobby or desire. The advantages are numerous but the risks may not be obvious. Here are some precautions that will keep you safe and help make online dating a positive experience:

1. Secure Your Personal Identity – Never reveal or publicly disclose any personal information, including your name, address, phone number, place of employment and of course, banking information or social security number. Protecting your identity begins with securing their own personal information from falling into the hands of untrustworthy people. Only when you’re comfortably sure of the person you’re hoping to have a healthy relationship should you consider sharing contact information.
2. Cautiously Trust – Although there are millions of honest, trustworthy people looking for love, there will always be misrepresented phonies out there, as well. Hesitate when you see a profile that seems just too good to be true. Take with a grain of salt how people describe themselves. Be on the lookout for false claims, omissions of vital details and outdated pictures or pictures of other people they claim as their own. Always trust your instincts; if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Remember, anyone can present a false online identity.
3. Never Show the Money – Online scammers can easily disguise themselves as the potential soul mate you’re looking for. Once they’ve convinced you that they’re the answer to all of your fantasies and desires, they begin to separate you from your cash. Run from anyone who asks for money!
4. Don’t Go it Alone – A first date is a vulnerable time. It’s always a good idea to meet in a public place, taking along a friend. Meet informally at a coffee house or bowling alley. If you must go alone, tell a friend or a family member about the meeting, and arrange to have them call you periodically to check on you.