First off, choose a reputable online dating service. You can ask your friends if they have tried this website and then ask them for feedback. Surely, your friends will never direct you to something that will harm you. Next, check the database size of the online dating service. The larger the database, the better. This is primarily because the number of registered users in an online dating website could spell if it could be trusted. Also, the benefit is that you have more chances of meeting someone you will like. If there are millions of registered users, there is a bigger chance that you will meet someone who lives nearby or in the same area. It is not wise to get into a romantic relationship with someone on the other side of the world.

Lastly, ensure that your personal information is kept confidential. Read the terms and conditions of the website and how they intend to use your personal information such as credit cards, name, address, and more. Try to avoid online dating service that does not use code names. It is very risky to display your name in the Internet with activities like this.

First off, you need to set up a different email account. This email account should be used for socializing only and this email should not contain passwords for other online ventures such as business and banking. This email address should also not contain any information about you in matters of finances, education, and so on. Keep in mind that there are a lot of bad people lurking out in cyberspace, waiting for an innocent victim.

Next, use a codename. It is helpful never to give out your complete name. You may be stalked, harassed, and your identity might be stolen. A simple full name can give hackers access to your other personal information stored in the Internet servers and this might lead them to your credit card information, bank account information, and many other things. Always remember that when you venture out in the romantic area of the cyberspace, your priority is your safety. This means you have to do everything not to reveal your identity unless you are fully confident that you can trust the other party.

It is best to be safe in everything you do; therefore, online dating safety tips have been developed to keep everyone on the same page while being safe and secure. Below are some tips to make sure you do not find yourself in a less than compromising situation.

1. When you create your online dating profile, remember to not give out specific information. Some people do not realize that people can be tracked by the very slightest of information. In your profile, never include the following:

o Full name
o Telephone number
o Place of work

2. Do not give your personal information out to soon. You need to trust your first impressions, as they are typically correct. If you find anything suspicious about the person you are talking to online, discontinue talking to them and do not give them any further information. When you are ready, you can talk on the phone.

3. Email: You may want to talk with this person on an email outside of the dating network. This is fine, but it is cautioned for you to use a different email than your normal. It is too easy to search for a screen name and then get more information about someone if it is a screen name you use often. You can set up free accounts through Yahoo and Google.

4. Talking on the phone. Although you may think the person is absolutely wonderful, refrain from talking on a phone before you can get to know the person more. When you are ready to take the next step on the phone, make sure you use a cell phone or an anonymous line. Cell phones are not tracked as easily as a home phone.

5. Be cautioned there are about 30% married people on these dating networks. Steer clear of anything that seems fishy. For the most part, you will be able to catch on. Some red flags are: Only can talk at certain and even random times of the day, automatically disappears, etc.

6. When you decide to meet up with the person for the first time, this is a very big step. Do not get comfortable thinking you know this person so well because you stayed up on the phone with them for hours every night for a week straight, or even longer. The truth is, you do not know this person. It is definitely advised you meet in a public place. This can be at a restaurant, bar, etc. You will want to meet this person somewhere where people can get to you in time if there is any trouble.

In general, the steps are very easy. The only problem comes when people get false security with that person. For the most part, online dating is a great way to expand your horizons and really meet the person of your dreams. There are only those small percentages that spoil the atmosphere. However, it is always better safe, than sorry.

From the beginning, NIdating has imposed strict rules to all new members.  Each new account that is setup at our site goes through a manual checking procedure, which is why quite often there is a delay in new member accounts being activated.  Even with our restrictions in place as well as manual verification, sometimes scam artists posing as genuine singles looking for a date slip through the net.  It is up to all of us to report these individuals and stop them in their tracks where possible.

Overseas Travel Scams

Protecting yourself agains’t these scams is very important.  If you see profiles posted on any website which features beautiful model quality photographs and the profile sounds too good to be true, the chances are that it is.  Many of these scammers tey to lure innocent victims in slowly by establishing an email / communication relationship over a period of time.  Quite often they will reside in a foreign country and eventually will ask for money to pay for a trip to see you or worse make up a story about some family disaster / debt that they need help with.  While most of these types of profiles originate from overseas users, scammers can easily set up fake addresses and localities.

Prostitute and Phone Scams

Sometimes you may come across a profile where it is obvious that the person is trying to sell their services.  Usually we catch these types of profiles on NIdating before activiation would ever occur, however you should remember to stay clear of these type of ads.  Furthermore, people have sometimes given out a phone number and when it has been called a huge amount of money has been charged to the telephone bill.  Never call anyone directly unless you trust this person and check the number first!

Never Give Money for Any Requests!

Remember if someone is asking for money for whatever reason, whether they have run into problems at home or are looking for bank account details for some payoff that will never occur, don’t fall for it!

Immediately report any suspicious profiles to NIdating and we will investigate immediately.

NIdating will continue to monitor all new accounts, however hopefully this article will provide you with some insight into dating scams as they are real and happen to unexpecting victims all the time!