Safety
Tips
It's a challenge to
try to make a genuine connection with someone while
protecting yourself, but online dating requires you
be very aware of whom you're sharing your personal
information with.
You want to trust that the nice looking,
smiling man or woman you see on an online profile has good intentions, but there
are no guarantees that he or she isn't a cyber stalker, con-artist, convicted
criminal or worse.
Here are a few safety tips for you to think
about.
Guard your identity
Don’t share your real name, personal phone numbers, email address, home address,
place of work etc. while IMing or emailing until you have established a
reasonable level of trust with the other person.
Don't rush things/You can't be too careful
Take the time to get to know someone via email, telephone, IM's etc. before
agreeing to meet them in person. We highly recommend having RRC perform
a professional background check to look for potential
problems, as well as, more serious issues.
If he/she seems too good to be true, they probably are
You shouldn't believe everything your read online. Beware of someone who always
says the right thing, or seems to have the perfect life and moves too quickly.
Other red flags are; someone who talks about "destiny" and "fate", vague or
inconsistent information, someone who immediately has a sob story and someone
who asks for money.
Be smart when you meet them in person
First and foremost, always meet in a public place. Never go to their home
or a remote location. Be sure to let a friend or family member know you're going
and where you will be. Be sure to have your cell phone with you. Stay sober!
Even smart people make bad choices when they're under the influence. Don't leave
your personal items unattended. A quick glimpse at your drivers license or even
a bill you happened to have with you will tell give them your address.
Make sure your beverages aren't tampered with, never leave them unattended.
You're NOT obligated/It's ok to say "No"
Many predators use guilt as a way to get you to reveal more personal
information than you were prepared to. Regardless of how much information
they choose to share, you are not obligated to reciprocate. Don't allow
someone to pressure you or guilt you into anything you're not completely
comfortable with.
Always trust your instincts
If something doesn't feel quite right, proceed with caution.
