When you agree to go on a date with someone, you agree to spend time with a stranger. In today’s digital age, it is easy to convince yourself that you know someone because you have spent time talking to them online. Unfortunately, there are scammers and con artists on the dating scene, as well as others who would like to hide things from their pasts from potential dates.
The risks do not mean you should avoid dating. The world is full of terrific people looking for companionship from others, and meeting online through dating sites is an easy way to find people who share your interests. The important thing is that you take steps to remain safe while getting to know someone.
Safety tips to follow
- Do an online background check before you invest much time or emotional energy into the person you are getting to know. Background checks from reputable sites like Check People are a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to find out if the person you are talking to is hiding something from you. A comprehensive background check will give you their criminal history, marriage, and divorce records, lawsuits, social media profiles, education, employment history, and more.
- Be aware of red flags that could indicate someone is trying to scam you or has other nefarious intent. These include:
- Beware of stories that are too good to be true, like a once in a lifetime business deal if only they had the money to invest now.
- If they ask for your address, usually under the pretense of wanting to send you flowers or gifts, be cautious.
- Asking for money or donations is a definite give away that something is wrong.
- Sob stories, such as a sick child or relative, and they need money for their care or to travel to see them. Ask yourself why someone in such a position would be spending their time on a dating or social media site.
- They make early and inappropriate declarations of love or commitment.
- They remain unwilling to meet in person after an appropriate amount of time.
- Do not add them on Facebook or other social media sites. Most people are shocked to learn how much information con artists can gleam with access to their social media.
- Do not give out personal information, including your email address. An email address without a strong password is easy to hack and often contains information that would make it easy to breach your bank accounts or other funds and investments.
- Arrange to meet for the first time in a very public place. Consider a daytime meet-up for coffee or lunch and always make sure friends are relatives know where you will be and have a prearranged check-in with someone you trust. Whatever you do, avoid alcohol on a first date as it impairs your judgment and could leave you vulnerable. You want to be clear-headed so that you can trust your gut feeling during a first date.
- Remain aware of your surroundings on a first date, take separate vehicles, and set a time limit on the date. Taking these steps on a first date will help ensure your safety, as well as provide an easy out if things are awkward or you feel uncomfortable.
- Go on a group date. Instead of a one on one, invite the person to join you at a group event with friends. Not only is there safety in a group setting, but you gain insight from friends you trust who will be spending time with the person as well.
Dating can, and should, be fun. Taking a few precautions to make sure you do not end up putting yourself at risk is worth the peace of mind you will have before getting emotionally or physically involved with someone.
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