- Choose a Reputable Dating Site – There are hundreds of online dating sites out there for all different categories and price ranges. Remember the old saying “you get what you pay for..”; in general avoid the free sites. When evaluating potential sites look for features that allow you to block members and verify that your email is contained on the site and not sent directly to your private email address.
- Guard Your Personal Information – Never divulge any of your personal information such as; email phone or address until you are totally comfortable doing so.
- Use an Alternate Email Address – Sign up for a free email from Yahoo, Google, or Hotmail. Although online dating services should never reveal your personal email, this is still a good practice to follow none the less. Remember not to include your last name as part of you email address.
- Take it Slow – Take your time and really get to know each other thru email/chat before meeting in person.
- Save all Correspondences – Save all emails/chats and look for inconsistencies in what your potential partner is saying.
- Run a Background Check – Prior to meeting for the first time, run a background check.
- Meet in a Public Place – When meeting for the first time, pick a public place and tell a friend or relative where you are going and call them after the date.
- Do NOT Invite them back to your Home – No matter how much you may like this person, you do not want this person knowing where you live.
- Avoid any Alcohol – Remember alcohol affects your judgment and inhibitions, bets to avoid any drinks during your first meeting.
- Trust your Instinct – Trust your feelings, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t and take the appropriate action.
For a list of safe and reputable dating sites, see our list of the best dating sites online.