Online Dating Safety Tips

People are looking beyond their immediate social circles and geography to find a compatible mate or companion. Online dating sites like Parship offer searchers like you significantly more opportunities than ever before.

Before registering with any online dating site, though, take reasonable steps to confirm the site and service are valid. Check user reviews and blogs. Comments noted off the site can present a different picture than what the website advertises.

Be sure to protect your personal information as you begin to get responses from people. You may be honest, but they may not be. Don’t easily give your real email address—use a free email account not associated with your ISP. Don’t give out your cell number, and don’t be in a rush to meet. Email, texts and phone calls from a pay-per-use phone and webcam conversations should take a much higher priority. Take your time and get to know each other well before you meet face-to-face.

When you do meet, make sure it’s in a public place during a busy time. Don’t meet someone in a private location. Take a friend along as security.

Never under any circumstances leave with the person you just met. Limit the time you have available. Instead of dinner, have lunch instead.

Don’t be bullied into anything. You’re worth the extra time and effort, don’t you think?