Is Internet Dating Safe?

YES!, provided that you observe a few common-sense rules, it's at least as safe as other ways of meeting people. Because you use a "handle" online rather than your real name, you can take your time getting to know people in cyberspace before arranging a real-world meeting. You're free to block or ignore members who don't meet your criteria, and you can base your decision on whether to meet someone on personality rather than just appearance. Finally, you can explore relationships online without the pressures you might encounter in a singles' bar or club that could impair your good judgment.

Should I give out my phone number?
For the highest level of safety when communicating by telephone for the first time, we recommend that the man provide a telephone number, which the woman can call. The highest level of privacy is to call using a prepaid cellular phone, which can be as anonymous as you like. The next best choice would be to use the Caller ID Blocking feature (*67 in many areas) from your telephone before placing the call (however if you call a toll-free number, your phone number will always be displayed to the recipient, even if you block your Caller ID -- only fair if they're paying for the call).

After you have established a relationship with another member and feel comfortable disclosing your personal contact information, it's generally okay to go ahead and do so. If you get unwanted calls, the security department at your phone company can help stop them.

Should I give out my home email address?
We suggest keeping your home email address private until you have established a high level of trust and are ready to meet face to face (or have already done so). Although most of the people looking for friendship and romance online are nice, ordinary people like you, occasionally there can be problems when someone won't take "no" for an answer, and continues trying to contact you even after you've let them know that the relationship is not meant to be.

So long as the contact remains within the dating site’s private email system, this type of behavior is easy to control -- simply use your Block button to "disappear" from the site. Once someone has your home email address, though, it can be difficult to maintain your privacy.

Now, go give it a try and write us back and let us know if this article helpful.