Chances are that you’ll never come across a situation that threatens your personal safety when dating online. However, ignorance is not bliss. It’s always best to be prepared and to always keep your wits about you when web dating or dating online probably even more so than when you date using traditional methods. The reason for this is that web dating gives user the chance to conceal their true identity if they wish. There are professionals out there who can quite convincingly manufacture an identity and you may not know any different until you meet them in person.
Don’t be scared of web dating as there are some great benefits and you can’t live in fear. All you need to do is be aware of your personal safety and follow some of thse useful safety tips for dating online or web dating.
(1) BEFORE YOU START, CHECK YOUR COMPUTER SECURITY. Not all of us are computer savvy but it is really important to be aware of the security of your computer in terms of your anti virus software and your firewall before you enter into web dating sites. Check your password and make sure it’s a really nice strong password that someone couldn’t guess. The best advice is to use a long password with a combination of letters, numbers, symbols and upper and lower case letter. Choose a user name that is not going to give away too much information about yourself. Also, try to use well know websites that are do have measures in place to protect users as best they can.
(2) PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY – NEVER SHARE HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH SOMEONE YOU’VE MET ONLINE. By this we mean don’t disclose your address, phone number, workplace or even places you visit frequently when dating online. If you’ve made security questions based around the name of your dog or where you grew up this information can be used to get access to your passwords. Web dating sites are designed to allow you to remain anonymous, so protect that. That way if your online date is not who they say they are or if you have a dating falling out you can ‘disappear’ without having any issues from them. Some people can display stalking or obsessive behaviours, so it’s always best to keep some things to yourself. It’s also equally as important not to divulge any bank information or sensitive documentation when dating online. Potential dates could be professionals who specialise in stealing peoples credit card information and even identities. To learn more about identity theft visit http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/identitytheft.
(3) AVOID PEOPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS. You may come across people who are married or in a relationship but looking to find someone to have fun with or potentially start a new relationship with. There is some truth to ‘Hell has no fury like a woman scorned’ or man for that matter. Don’t get yourself into a messy situation. When love is involved people can do things that you may never imagine possible. Avoid anyone who is in a relationship and save yourself the heartache and even potential danger.
(4) ASK FOR INFORMATION ABOUT AND EVEN ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF YOUR ONLINE DATE. Be cautious of your online date if they start to display inconsistent information when your chatting online. They could be scamming you if their story changes from time to time. Also, why not ask your online date for some other photos of themselves so you can help to develop a better understanding of who they are, if they say they don’t have any, they could be a scamming you.
(5) BE WARY OF MODEL LIKE, PROVOCATIVE PROFILES WITH LIMITED INFORMATION. Some profiles are setup by users to try and make you feel as if they are personally into you and trying to convince you to come to another website where you could be scammed into paying money to see them. Also, be wary of anyone who says they’re in love with you early on when dating online. They could be playing with your emotions to try and scam you.
(6) ALWAYS TELL A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING AND WHEN. It’s always best to let a friend, flat mate or family member know that your going on a date with someone and where. By checking in, you are creating some security that someone else knows where you are if you run into trouble.
(7) WHEN YOU MEET YOUR DATE FOR THE FIRST TIME, NEVER MEET ALONE OR AT YOUR HOME OR THEIRS. You need to be aware that amongst the great range of serious and genuine daters online, there are con-artists and predators out there who’s sole priortiy is to find a target. You might think it’s common sense, but people are conned every day. Remember to always play it safe. If you decide to meet someone you’ve dated online in person, meet in public places until you get to know them better. Take your own car or public transport. Never accept a lift until you know the person better. You can even ask a friend to have a coffee nearby to keep an eye on you if you are concerned. This can also be great way to be ‘rescued’ if you meet a dud!
(8) LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF. This is important not only for web dating but just dating in general. If you have the time it is definitely worthwhile taking a self defense course. They will teach you how to defend yourself if the need arises and what you learn could potentially one day save your life. It might also be worth investing in a personal alarm or pepper spray.
(9) AVOID DRINKING HEAVILY ON FIRST DATE. Not only is it unattractive to date someone who is heavily intoxicated, alcohol can lessen your senses and create a potentially dangerous situation for you. Perhaps just stick to the one drink until you get to know the person better.
(10) DON’T LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS WITH YOUR DATE. If you go to the bathroom take your bag, if they go to get you a drink go with them. You need to be cautious when you are first getting to know someone to make sure that they are truly legitimate and not trying to scam you or even put you in danger.
(11) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you are getting a strange feeling when dating that something isn’t quite right then do yourself a favour and trust your instincts and leave the situation. More often than not you could be picking up on some subtle behavioural cues that are indicating that situation isn’t right and even potentially dangerous. Remember, you owe your date nothing. You need to put your safety as first priority.
We hope by reading these safety tips we have not scared you but rather empowered you to take control of your personal safety so you can enjoy the experience of dating online.