Internet Match Maker Tips from Schmeg.com

   

The internet is a wonderful tool with which to meet and socialize with other people. But...it can also be a dangerous place if you are planning to meet someone you've met online. The major rule of online dating via an internet match maker is to protect yourself. Don’t give any more than minimum personal information until you are comfortable giving more details.

Set up a free email account, unlinked in any way to your usual email. Once you have started correspondence with someone online, you may wish to reveal your other email address. Until then, using a “filter” will allow you to receive responses from potential partners, safe that you are anonymous until you decide otherwise.

Be Mysterious, a.k.a. Use Your Anonymity ...

Don't be too eager to disclose personal information. Never include your last name, home address, phone number, where you work, who you work for, or any other identifying information. Always discontinue communication with anyone who pushes or pressures you for personal information! Also watch for any attempts to try to trick you into revealing any personal details. Be very sure you are comfortable before revealing any such delicate information.

Build Trust Through Caution & Common Sense ...

In the offline world, trust is earned gradually through consistently honorable, upfront, honest behavior. Take all the time you need to learn if a person is trustworthy. Again, listen to your instincts. Be responsible and don't fall "head over heels" and abandon caution at the click of your mouse.

To Phone Or Not To Phone, That Is The Question ...

Obviously, share your phone number only after you feel completely comfortable and certain the person can be trusted. Common sense tells you not to offer your personal phone number to a stranger. An option could be to use a "disposable" cell phone, or utilize telephone blocking features available in order to prevent your phone number from appearing on a stranger's Caller ID.

Never give out personal information that will allow someone to trace you. Keep addresses, place of employment and the places that you visit during your daily routine private. You don’t want people whom you don’t know well showing up at your door or visiting you ate work. Stalkers surf the net looking for people who are vulnerable, lonely, and those who are depressed, as well as those who seem desperate to find a companion.

If you decide to meet a person you’ve been chatting with online, always insist on meeting in a public place that you know well. This will allow you to feel safe and it gives you control over the situation if something happens that you’re not comfortable with. A mall is the perfect place for a rendezvous. You can have coffee, a meal or walk through the mall browsing in shops. It also gives you the opportunity to have a friend or family member nearby to ensure all goes well.

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