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Risks of Online Dating - How to Date Safely and Avoiding ScamsBY: Swati | Category: Entertainment | Post Date: 2008-09-30
Internet has revolutionized the world around us and the most popular sites which have emerged lately include online dating websites like myspace, singles.com; even chat rooms like the one you find in Yahoo messenger can sometimes contribute to online dating. I personally do not see any serious issue with cyberdating until you apply the some common sense,in the same way you do when meeting a stranger on road or blind dating. Additionally you need to be a bit more conservative because you cannot even see the person initially and you could be more prone to scams. Cyber scammers come with new ideas every day, therefore it is not possible to think of every possible scenario but I have put together some points which will likely help you to reduce the risks of online dating. 1. Assume the worst - Conservative dating: Atleast to start with, do not even believe that the person on the other side is revealing his/her true gender, age or location. You have not met this person, there is no point in believing whatever he says. Since, there is no reliable way to know who the other person is, you should be absolutely aware of whatever he says. Do pretent that you are partially believing him, give smart answers and no emotional ones atleast in the beginning. People can google information about a place and pretend as if he lives there or have been to a exotic place (like a Europe trip or a cruise). Conservative dating is the number one rule of online dating, and yes, do not "over do" it otherwise you will scare all genuine candidates away too. 2. Don't go by the photo: Anyone can get the photo of any handsome guy or a gal and put it in their profile (not legally though), and pretend that it's him. Infact putting a false photo in profile is fairly common. 3. Creating a safe profile: Avoid mentioning all personal details like address, phone, what school/college you are studying or which company you are working for. If you meet a psychopath, you do not want him to follow you. Write generic statements, hobbies and possibly the kind of friends you are interested. Avoid putting your picture, but if you decide otherwise, then do not put a photo which shows too much skin. 4. Use your sixth sense (intuition) and taking a second opinion: During a cyber chat, do not let your slightest suspicion be healed just because the other person has said nice words about you. Pay attention to the consistency and try to detect if other person may be lying. Watch for foul language and signs of anger. If you are not sure, there is no harm in having a second opinion from more mature person than you. Sometimes your elder brother or sister can be the best person to consult with. 5. It may be all about Sex: Girls and underage teens are at the maximum risk when it comes to online dating. There are many sex offenders (registered and unregistered) who may be experts in pretending. Stop all communication with people who try to get personal information about you too fast. 6. How to talk / Video Chat: Never rush for a video chat and never give your phone number till you are confident about the other person. If you call, your number may appear in his caller ID therefore it's best to get a headset and chat on the internet itself. If the other gives you his phone number to early, then use a "phone card" to make a phone call so that your number does not flash on his caller ID. Once you have had a few conversations, it is a good idea to do a video chat, definitely before you decide to meet him/her in person. 7. Beware of Cyber Cops: Police is well aware about the problem of cyber crimes and the underage sex scams which are associated with online dating. Never participate in any illegal activity like exchanging sexual pictures of underage teens/kids, animal sex etc .. there may be a cops patrolling on the other side. Infact if someone tries to do that to you, consult your parents whether or not you should report this incident to the police. 8. ALWAYS tell someone when you plan to meet for the first time: When you are going to meet your newly made date for the first few times, always a close friend about it including location, details of person you are dating and possibly a photo of that person. Tell your friend to call you if she does not hear back from you till a certain point of time. Try to always keep a cell phone in case of an emergency, or borrow it from a friend for that day. 9. Meet in public: To be safe, always meet in public for the first few times, like a shopping mall, restaurant, popular coffee shop but never at a lonely place. If you think the person is following you, never go home directly, take unusual but busy routes, if the person is still following you then do stop by at a fire/police station. 10. Try sites with a monthly fees: They may not always be worth but popular paid websites often scan away unwanted users. Additionally they may be able to trace a person based on their credit card information (if permitted by law). There are some wonderful people you will find on the internet. There are things you learn about online dating with time, these suggestions are not targeted to make things difficult for you, but they are for your own safety. Every year there are hundreds of people who get into trouble and we do not want you to be one of them. Article Source: http://www.saching.com About Author / Additional Info: Additional Articles: * Enjoy Motherhood - By Nishu * Sports and Outdoor Activities in Dubai * How to prevent and treat burns? * Environmental ethics: From unsustainable to sustainable development * Foot care in Diabetes Does this article violate or infringe on your copyright ? 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