Online Dating Safety Tips

As you're probably aware, the people you meet online may not always be entirely honest about themselves, girlmeetsgirl.co.uk have no way of telling if statements made by other visitors are true. This is a decision that can only be made at your discretion.

When it comes to getting to know someone online, there are many ways we can be tricked. Here, then, are some tips to staying safe while looking for your soulmate online.

• Don't reveal your full name or any of your personal information to anyone, unless you're absolutely comfortable about it - it is completely up to you how much information you decide to share with someone and when.
• After a few emails have been swapped, request a picture. Remember, this is not a foolproof method of making sure the person you're talking to is really who they say they are.
• If you feel comfortable with someone, try a phone call, which might help to make sure you and your special someone are being honest about some things. If you're calling, you might want to look into blocking your number so that it doesn't show up on Caller ID and so that Call-Return doesn't work. If you're receiving the phone call, be absolutely certain that you feel comfortable with this person having your phone number.
• Never, ever meet someone without being comfortable with them on the phone, and ensure you have their phone number -- and that it's a valid number!
• Do not, under any circumstances, give out any of your financial information to anyone you meet online.
• Similarly, don't give anyone any money. You might trust them implicitly, but they might take off with the cash you've sent them to travel to meet you.
• Do not be pressured into calling or meeting anyone! It's your choice, and it's up to how comfortable you are when you decide to meet or talk on the phone.
• Watch out for displays of anger and frustration. Be wary of people who try to control you or manipulate you as well.
• Be honest when you talk to someone, but don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry, I'm not comfortable answering that, yet".
• Listen to your gut instincts. More often than not, that tiny voice in your head that's telling you it's a bad idea is right! Use your common sense.
• If you do meet someone in "real life", do not meet in a private place (hotel room, your home). Always meet in a public area, such as a busy restaurant, a bar or a shopping centre. Remember, you're meeting a virtual stranger.
• Let at least one person know where you're going and who you're meeting. Give your friend all the information you have (name, phone number, email address) of the person you're meeting. Tell your friend to expect a phone call from you by a certain hour, and be sure to call them right on time and let them know what's going on and when you expect to be home.
• Or, you could always just bring your friend along with you.
• If you're visiting the person you're meeting and you're not in familiar territory (in a new city or even a new country), take extra precautions. Keep your identification (passport, driver's license) on you at all times, and tuck a piece of paper into your wallet that has emergency contact information. Also buy a street map and mark down where your hotel is, so you have an idea of how to get back, just in case.
• Finally, never, ever do anything you're unsure about. If you have any hesitations about calling or meeting anyone, or doing anything while you're with the person you've met, remember that you are under no obligation to do anything you're not comfortable with.