Internet Dating Safety
Whatever we do in life we have to take a few simple precautions in order to minimise the risk of any harm befalling us whether that be physical, mental, emotional or financial harm.
Some of these safety precautions are second nature to us and we barely give them a thought. Others require some degree of attention, particularly if it’s to do with an activity that’s new to us.
Internet dating is very safe provided users follow a few common sense guidelines. If you are new to online dating or if you consider yourself a seasoned veteran it’s worth pausing now and then to avoid falling into one of the few pitfalls that await the unwary.
Personal Information
Online safety begins with the way we protect our personal data.
1. Choose a strong password for your online dating account. Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. The name of your pet or offspring is easily guessed, but a password like Fn*ght5sr is a lot harder to crack. Memorise the password and don’t write it down where others might find it.
2. Don’t reveal too much personal information on your profile. Use an alias instead of your real name and keep your location details brief. You can elaborate more about your personality, but you don’t want to reveal your exact street location.
3. Do not reveal your personal email address. Use the dating site as your medium of communication until you’re ready for your first date. When you feel ready to meet someone consider supplying a free email address such as a Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail address instead of your work or business email address.
Is he/she genuine?
It’s unfortunate that otherwise sane, rational, and intelligent human beings continue to be lured into believing in someone who then lets them down badly. It doesn’t happen often, but don’t let yourself become the next victim.
Scammers and fraudsters use online dating sites to build up a relationship of trust with another person. They can be patient and persistent and may spend many weeks doing so. They convince good, intelligent, kind hearted people that they need money and eventually persuade them to give or lend them funds for their needs.
4. Don’t fall for the “I’m desperate. Please help me” fraud by sending money for someone’s medical bills, aeroplane ticket, business venture etc. Never send anyone any money – no exceptions no matter how convincing their story!
5. Keep a sense of proportion and identity about the relationship that is developing. There is a tendency in most of us to think the best of people and that is a good thing that we should not lose, but we have to measure that against a healthy dose of scepticism.
6. Trust your instincts and if something doesn’t feel right then walk away from it. Don’t let your excitement blank out your gut feeling which often right about matters of the heart.
First Dates
Meeting someone for the first time can provoke feelings of nerves and excitement. It’s what you wanted all along and finally the day has arrived. Who knows what it might lead to? However, take it steady and one step at a time.
7. Meet in a public place and don’t accept an offer to be picked up from your home or place of work.
8. Tell a friend or family member where you are going, who you are going to meet, and at what time you expect to return and keep a fully charged mobile phone with you.
9. Look after your drink and if you feel suddenly unwell take a cab straight home or better still call a friend and ask to be collected. Don’t drink too much. No one is turned on by a drunk.
Subsequent Dates
Assuming the first date went well and you didn’t run screaming for the door then you can look forward to your relationship developing. There is only one last thing to remember, and that is…
10. Have fun and enjoy yourself 
These UK dating sites are managed and administered by dedicated teams who are quick to respond to any questions, queries or concerns you may have about anyone you meet online within their memberships:
Love Horse Equestrian & Country Dating
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[...] November I posted these top Ten Tips For Internet Dating Safety which included this advice: It’s unfortunate that otherwise sane, rational, and intelligent human [...]