Are You Dating Online? 9 Ways to Protect Yourself

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | | 0 Comments

If you are dating online, you need to find ways to protect yourself! You can find love – and a great relationship – online, but you need to be smart about it. These online dating tips are from Paul Falzone, CEO of two dating services: The Right One and Together Dating (the links to these dating Web sites are at the end of this article).

Before the tips, a quip:

“Having someone wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night is a very old human need.” ~ Margaret Mead.

Don’t be embarrassed about your need to be loved — it’s natural! And these tips for online dating will help you find love. For even more dating advice, read Fine, I’ll Go Online!: The Hollywood Publicist’s Guide to Successful Internet Dating.

And, here are nine ways to date safely…

Are You Dating Online? 9 Ways to Protect Yourself

“Only a few online dating services do a good job of screening applicants,” says dating expert Paul Falzone. “Unfortunately, many are open to anyone with the ability to pay the fee and post a picture (whether or not the image is actually them). Men and women alike may use the anonymity of the internet to lie about their age, appearance, marital status, name and even gender.”

Whether you use an online dating’ service in your city, you need to ask questions to gauge how well they will protect you. Do they conduct background checks? Are their safeguards to ensure that members are not married or have criminal records? Will they offer a guarantee? Are they in good standing with local business associations and the Attorney General’s office? If not, then keep looking for the right online dating service.

1. Guard your personal information while internet dating. Don’t fill out online profiles for free e-mail accounts that you may use when chatting or instant messaging. Even the most seemingly innocuous piece of information, when coupled with the personal information that may slip out in conversation, can be used to pry into your personal life.

2. Don’t forget about your personal info online, such as on Facebook and Twitter. Be aware that an abundance of personal information can be harvested through both free and paid websites. Be very leery of any additional information you may post on a personal homepage or social network sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

3. Avoid using screen names that reveal your identity or location. This tip for finding love relationships online will keep you anonymous until you choose to reveal yourself to someone you trust. When you trust your date, then you can open up about your real name and location — and start practicing your small talk tips to overcome shyness!

4. Be sure to protect your computer and your personal information by installing and keeping computer security software up-to-date. This tip for successful internet dating will not only help you achieve your love and relationship needs, it’ll deter online thieves.

5. Don’t respond to annoying or harassing e-mails. To protect yourself when dating online, immediately block any threatening moves. Trust your gut, and watch for red flags. Don’t let your heart overrule your head!

6. When it’s time for mail or phone contact, try to use an office phone number and address or a postal box. You need to find the balance between finding love online and protecting yourself. If you feel like you really connect with your date, you might meet in person — but tell a friend or family member where, when, and how you’re meeting.

7. Be aware of any vague or inconsistent information that a single man or woman provides. To find a love relationship online, question inconsistent information. Don’t ignore your instincts just because you need to be loved (it’ll backfire!).

8. Be skeptical of any photo your date sends that looks too professional or “too good to be true.” It may just be an image pulled from the internet – and that’s a definite warning signal.

9. Call the police if you’re a victim of online stalking. If your date harasses you, don’t hesitate to report it to the legal authorities. You may also be able to report such conduct to the offending parties’ Internet Service Provider.

If you struggle to make conversation with new people, read these tips for first dates.

How well do you know your partner? Test your compatibility and grow deeper in love with 1,000 Questions for Couples.

If you have any questions or thoughts about dating online and protecting yourself, please comment below…

To learn more about Paul Falzone and his dating services, visit The Right One.