Online dating safety

Keep safe when you date online.

Online dating and social networking sites are getting more and more popular. But how safe are they and how safe is your information?

How to protect your information

• Always do a background check on the website. Make sure it is reputable, you can do this by reading their terms and conditions. Check if there is someone you can contact about safety.
• Do not give out your personal information to others. This includes your exact address (giving a country is fine) or your real or last name in your chats or on your profile.
• Make a separate email account for dating websites from a free provider (such as Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail). Also set up a separate instant messenger account.
• If you call someone you have met through the site, block your number by dialling 141 first.

How to protect yourself

• Keep your user name and conversations clean. Sexy language or suggestive profile names can send the wrong impression.
• Do not reveal too much in the chats. Online predators can pick a part your conversation to piece together your whereabouts.
• Keep a record of your conversations. This will ensure you have evidence if you run into problems with them later.
• Do not rely on a photo or believe everything people write as it can sometimes be completely made up.
• If you do meet up, make sure it is in a public place and at least one person knows when and where you are meeting.

Visit E-victims.org for more online dating tips and how to protect yourself and your information online.