Online Dating Safety Tips

Never to give away any personal information until you feel very comfortable with someone. Don't reveal your full name, email address, telephone number or your work/home address. Should anybody start asking these questions too early, that's a definite warning sign.

After a few emails, you may feel it's time to talk on the phone. The man should give his phone number, allowing you to call him.

Personal Profiles
When you first join a site, many ask you to create a profile 'Nickname'. Don't use something like 'Wet and Wild' as you're likely to attract a lot of unwanted advances.

When writing the actual profile, don't reveal too much personal information that could be used to identify you offline.

Honesty and Trust
When communicating - ask questions and if the person isn't forthcoming, their facts don't quite add up or they conveniently forget to include pertinent information, then go with your intuition and move on. There's no point wasting time on people who aren't honest or may be lying.

During communication with singles, don't feel under any pressure to meet somebody. If they start emailing you with demands, like 'Honey, we have to meet by next week or that's it, I won't talk to you anymore', then that should signal the bell in your head telling you to drop this bozo.

If you decide that somebody simply isn't your type or doesn't interest you, then be polite and honest. Don't start making excuses and wasting their time by giving an impression that there's a chance of actually meeting.

Before Meeting Offline
After you are sure the person you want to meet offline is of interest, there are a few more tips you should consider.

You could ask the person for a couple of references - from friends, co-workers or family. Honest people should recognise that you are serious about dating and are clued up on safety. Those with nothing to hide and a geniune interest shouldn't be put off.

You might also consider checking some details yourself, like if they do really work where they say they do.

Use your common sense to ensure you're first date is a safe and enjoyable one. Continue using your email or mobile-phone to arrange a date. You shouldn't give anybody your home phone number.

Suggest a few date ideas and agree on meeting in a neutral, public place. It's best not to choose places that are too noisy, busy and could have too many distractions. You might consider meeting for a coffee at a cafe, lunch at a restaraunt, picnic in a public park.

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