The following are two articles found on the “Newomen” website that offer safety suggestions if you decide to participate in online dating…. ------
1) Online Dating Safety Tips from: http://www.newomen.com/displayarticle11.html
Online personals and dating is a great way to meet that special someone, however it is important to approach it with safety as your first priority. While most online services are very secure and do a good job at helping ensure your privacy and confidentiality, you are ultimately responsable for your own safety. Most services do not pre-screen their users, therefore they cannot assume any responsability for the people you meet through their sites. This officially grants you the title of screener, a responsability which you must take very seriously. After all, if you are comfortable and feel secure online, you will have much more fun with online dating! Here are a few good security tips: 1- Never reveal your last name or address to a stranger. If telephone numbers are exchanged, try to use a cell phone with a private number. If you call a stranger at home, always use caller ID blocking to maintain your privacy. 2- Do not use your primary EMAIL address for online dating correspondence - create an anonymous Email account (such as a Hotmail account) to correspond with potential dates. 3- If you decide to meet that special someone, always meet in a public place - NEVER meet in private for your first date! Always let someone know where you are going. 4- Be honest about who you are and what you are seeking - do not reveal more than you normally would in a face to face first meeting. If your online
contact attempts to presure you into revealing more than you are comfortable with, re-evaluate his/her intentions. 5- Always review the security and confidentiality policy of the online dating service you are using. Many of the better known online dating sites have very good privacy policies. A list of top dating sites is available at http://www.cosmodating.com . 6- Don't rush into a face to face meeting - take your time, chat up a storm and get to know each other. Is the person on the other end being honest, or do you get the feeling they are just saying what you want to hear. You are the sole judge and jury in this love trial - use your best judgement! In conclusion, safety should be your #1 priority as you venture into the world of online dating. Go slow, take your time to and get to know you potential dates. Like the song says, "Only fools rush in" - taking your time will only increase your chances of meeting that special someone and at the same time help weed out the bad seeds! Andy Thompson is owner and operator of www.cosmodating.com - A Woman's Guide to Online Dating - he can be reached at the following address: mailto:admin@cosmodating.com ------------
2) Dating Online – Safety Precautions from: http://www.newomen.com/displayarticle181.html AND http://www.newomen.com/modules.php?op=modload& name=News&file=article&sid=181
It pays to play it safe when dating online and whenever you meet someone new it is always wise to be wary.
Online Safety for Women Project Sponsored by the BC Rural Women’s Network
Funded by Status of Women Canada and National Crime Prevention Strategy (Project Year: April 2005-April 2006)
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The following are some tips to ensure your safety when dating online.
Before your date
- Never give out your personal email address. Make use of the anonymous communication systems offered by all good online dating services. This will allow you to give out as little personal information as you would like. - Ask for his full name. This can deter predators and unscrupulous people who lurk around others. - Don't give out your personal details such as home address telephone number to people who you haven’t met and feel safe with. - Trust your instincts and if unsure of someone's intentions ask them for references from family and friends
The First Date
- Consider bringing some friends out on the first date. This offers a much safer environment and is a less threatening first option after meeting. - Keep a personal alarm in your handbag. This can alert others if you are in danger. - Make your own way to & from the date. That way you conceal your address and prevent potential stalking. - If you are feeling unsafe don't be afraid to get up and leave. As was said earlier, trust your instincts, if you have a strange feeling it is always better to play it on the safe side and excuse yourself politely. - Let friends and family know where you are and what time you will be getting home
Online Safety for Women Project Sponsored by the BC Rural Women’s Network
Funded by Status of Women Canada and National Crime Prevention Strategy (Project Year: April 2005-April 2006)
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- Always carry a cell phone. - Meet in public places. - Be cautious about drinking anything that you haven't seen prepared. Dating Advice brought to you by Dating Sites Advisor www.datingsitesadvisor.com and http://www.americanfreepersonals.com
Online Safety for Women Project Sponsored by the BC Rural Women’s Network
Funded by Status of Women Canada and National Crime Prevention Strategy (Project Year: April 2005-April 2006)
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