Post from My dear friend and online dating expert AmericanCurvyGirl~ From the Blog RomancingTheWeb.com
I am often asked by people if Online Dating is safe. I don’t blame people for being unsure about it because we hear stories and see things in the Media about some poor woman who was attacked or killed when she met a man from the internet. The Media just loves a good Horror Story. That is how they make their living after all. If they keep us good and scared of “Online Stalkers and Predators” we’re more likely to stay tuned so they can keep us safe.
My take on it is that for every one tragedy that comes from meeting someone online there is at least 1000 tragedies that happen when a woman meets a man at a bar, a dance club or any where for that matter. You see, when you meet someone online it’s okay to be cautious. It’s perfectly acceptable to get their name and address so you can leave it with your friend or maybe your mother. Also, anyone smart will have spoken to each other on the phone quite a few times before deciding to meet.
Think about it. When you meet someone online there is already a trail that can be followed in the event that something happens or you disappear. The police will simply track the IP address from any emails or subpoena the dating site for any information they have. If you are using a Dating Site that you both pay for there will also be credit card information that leads back to them.
To be honest I’m a cautious person myself. I don’t think I’d be out there using Craig’s List to meet people because I really would rather meet someone serious and grown up enough to use a real Dating Site. However, should you choose that route for yourself you can still be safe. Just get the person’s phone number and talk to them for a week or two before you decide to meet. That way you know it’s probably not a stolen phone because it most likely would have been turned off within that amount of time.
When my friend Jayme met her husband Dave she even had his work number and had spoken to him at his office so she knew he was really who he said he was. She was cautious and smart so she also told him outright that she had given a few of her friends his phone numbers as a safety net. That is an excellent idea because we should never assume that a killer or criminal is smart enough to realize that they would be easily caught.
If you just use caution and common sense you can make your Online Dating experience a very safe and secure adventure. Of course I can’t guarantee you that there is nothing to fear. I mean there is always the possibility that you will have spinach in your teeth throughout all three courses. I’m sorry but you’re on your own when it comes to the really scary stuff.
She met her Husband online and they are still happily married. I spent a week on a cruise with this lovely loving couple. They are darling. It can happen for you too. Online dating can be safe if done wisely just like offline dating. Stop Wating Start Dating!!!
