Date Safely: Protecting Your ID While Finding Relationships Online
What was once a curiosity dabbled in only by the adventurous, online dating is becoming so common that it is starting to give more traditional dating services a run for their money. Since the whole point of online dating is getting to know someone, it shouldn't come as a surprise that some people have fallen victim to identity theft. Let's take a look at where you should draw the line when it comes to getting to know someone via online dating.
Protect yourself with a brand new email account
Even if you meet the future love of your life in a chat room, the first piece of personal information you will likely give out is an email address. Before you jump into the dating pool, go to a free web based email provider like Gmail or Hotmail and set up a free account. Make sure that there is virtually no personal information on that account that could be read, including your last name. If your love-to-be asks what's going on, be honest about your efforts to protect yourself. Be sure you don't lie when setting up your free anonymous email account, however. Having to explain a lie right out of the gate to someone isn't a good way to start a relationship.
Take a giant technological leap backwards
They may be about as comfortable as a neck brace, but the first time you talk on the phone with a prospective partner, you might want to use a pay phone. Home phone numbers can be easily linked to a name and address and so can cell phone numbers if you pay to have them researched. Another other option is to use a service like Skype or Yahoo's phone service that charges 1 penny a minute, anywhere in North America. You can also block your phone number by using a service like *67 or your cell phone's ID options.
Additionally, if you plan to post pictures of yourself, be careful what you post. Posting a picture of you in front of your house may give individuals all the information they need to find your home like a street number or license plate. The same is true if you post a shot of you in front of your company vehicle or show your company logo.
Always a public place
The first time you meet someone from an online dating service, it is always a good idea to meet in public, at least to start with. You also want to make sure that someone you know is aware of where you are going, who you are meeting and how long you expect to be gone. If your online romance wants to meet someplace private and is inflexible about it, you likely want to end the relationship right there. Meeting in public should be a no brainer that is absolutely non-negotiable.
Make sure you don't put in more than you get
As anyone who has visited an online dating site can tell you, there are two different types of people there: people looking for soul mates and people looking for a good time. If you have been lucky enough to find someone and hit it off, that doesn't mean that you have the green light to share credit card information and your social security number. Always take things slowly when it comes to disclosing personal information. Granted, most people won't care what your date of birth is, but it is never a good idea to treat that information casually.
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