by Barry Marcus

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 29, 2010

There is always an element of danger when meeting new people whether in a bar, a singles club or through Internet dating. People are not always what they seem. Online dating presents similar dangers plus a few more. When using an Internet dating service to find prospective dates, a few precautions can help limit your exposure to these dangers.

Most Internet dating sites allow for an element of anonymity when joining. You may complete the sections that describe you and even place a photo on the site, but including contact details (even where there are allowed) is folly. Rather communicate through the site's own facilities. Once you have a fair idea of who you are talking to, then by all means exchange contact details.

The first danger is that of the dating site scammers. Often these are based in Ghana, Russia, Ukraine or Nigeria. A picture of an attractive man of woman is posted. Having created a profile, they select hundreds, even thousands of other members as favourites. Many claim to be religious and in search for long term relationships. These scammers are after your money. A few emails after meeting online they are very keen to travel to meet and possibly start up a new life with you. The only problem is the money. They need $10000 to meet the required expenses. Their own money is tied up or government restrictions prevent them from using it abroad.

The dating sites guard against this criminal element and delete their profiles when discovered. But it only takes a day or two for the scammers to find their next victim. Once the profile is deleted, the scammer reappears with another name and location within minutes.

The main protection against these scammers is to never send money or travel to destinations halfway across the globe for someone that you have never met. Most scammers leave their requirements for prospective dates very open.

When meeting new people there is always the possibility that the person is not who he or she says. It is simpler to misrepresent oneself over the Internet than in person. Sometimes the photos are not even of them. Look at the prospective date's profile carefully before agreeing to meet. If most of the details are missing, then forget it. Exchange a few emails between you to start. Try to find out as much as you can before you meet.

Arrange the first meeting in a public place. This provides some protection. If the date is not the same person as shown in the picture then simply walk away. A face to face meeting in a restaurant or bar should be enough to let you know whether to continue with this new relationship or to end it then and there.

Relationships are often complex and fraught with dangers whether the meeting is online of face to face. Apart from the many decent and honest people there are many with a dark side to their character. These shady people can be found everywhere. Use your sixth sense coupled with some intelligence to guard against them and you will be able to use Internet dating sites as safely as any other forum.

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