Safety Tips While Finding a Date in Cyberspace *

OnlineDatingSafetyTips.com recommends that searchers should ascertain a high level of computer security. This can be achieved with the use of effective anti-virus programs and firewalls, reliable Internet connection, and strong passwords.

Furthermore, before joining an online dating site, read carefully its policies or terms of service. Also, research on site reviews to have more information. This will help weigh the pros and cons of signing up. It is also better to decide on how much information one is willing to post on the site.

When searching, Dr. Dating.com's Laura Rupert advises caution towards people whose stories "don't match up" and who utter "the same questions". This implies analyzing story details and reflecting on the other party's intentions to determine his or her sincerity. A person should also be wary of those who present themselves as "perfect", always in sync with one's preferences. Additionally, be suspicious of people asking for "personal information" that are related to finances like credit card, insurance policy, and social security numbers.

Genuine online romance overcomes distance.

For those who are already involved in an online long distance relationship (LDR), be careful in giving in to requests for intimate webcam chats or sending naked photos, for these can be used for something else by manipulative and scheming individuals. Regular and honest communication is key to making online relationships work. There should also be definite plans to meet and spend time together more than once. Failure to do this only means that the affair is anything else but serious. First few meetings (or until both parties are already comfortable with each other or have reached a considerable degree of familiarity) should be done in a public place; bringing other people along like friends and relatives could also help ensure personal safety.

*This is the last part of Searching for a Date Online and The Dangers of the Internet - Online Predators and Lawsuits Against Online Dating Websites.

Other references for this post (as well as Searching for a Date Online and The Dangers of the Internet - Online Predators and Lawsuits Against Online Dating Websites):

• Balasubramani, Venkat. 2011. "Class Action Brought by "Lonely and Vulnerable" Men Against Online Cupid Site Moves Forward - Badella v. Deniro Mktg." Eric Goldman Technology and Marketing Law Blog. January 29. (accessed April 13, 2011).
• Harwood Feffer LLP. 2010. "Harwood Feffer LLP Files Class Action on Behalf of Match.com Subscribers". December 30. (accessed April 13, 2011).
• Internet World Stats. 2011. "World Internet and Population Statistics". (accessed April 13, 2011).
• Marketwire.com. 2010. "Zoosk Deepens Global Footprint as World's First Platform-Agnostic Online Dating Service". April 28. (accessed April 13, 2011).

Other links:

• Current Online Dating and Dating Services Facts & Statistics - Dating Sites Reviews 

Current online dating industry facts, history and statistics. Dated and organized by categories and dating sites with referenced links. 

• Love Fraud: How marriage to a sociopath fulfilled my spiritual plan (Family Relationships)

Donna Anderson is a survivor of a marriage to a con man. With this very useful book, she hopes to educate more people about sociopaths and how to overcome the pain they caused. 

• Lovefraud.com -- sociopaths, psychopaths, antisocials, con artists, bigamists
  

Learn and read real stories about people previously involved with sociopaths or psychopaths who can wreck havoc on anyone's life without any sense of shame or guilt.

• Online Seductions: Falling in Love With Strangers on the Internet

Esther Gwinnel and Nancy Cooperman Su talk about the evolution of mediated matchmaking, from letters to the Internet. Citing true tales of romance, the authors contend that human relationships are essentially the same regardless of medium. 

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

IC3 receives and refers Internet-related criminal complaints to various law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for appropriate action.