Tips to date with confidence
by Jhonatan Max
Thousands of men and women enjoy the services of an online dating provider. Thankfully many end up in the "Happily Ever After" category, some the "No way", and unfortunately, some in the "Tragic mistakes". It is no secret that there are identity thief's and sexual predators lurking on the Internet. Well, let them lurk. I'm going to give you some pointers on how NOT to become any body's victim.
I first mentioned the Identity thief, why is this so important? Glad you ask. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report last year that stated in 2005, over 8.3 million Americans had their identity stolen. All it takes is your name, your Social Security Number, or date of birth for them to make your life miserable. Often the thief will sell your information to the highest bidder now many perpetrators can make your life miserable. Therefore, in your dating profile, do not put your real name (make up a catchy nickname) do not include any personal information such as your date of birth (including your "Sign"). Leave out your address (the state is O.K) or where you work. Beware of innocent leading questions such as, "I really want to know your birthday so I can send you a card or flowers." Your personal information is no body's business. Most (if not all ) of the dating provider web sites has a place to report abuse. Contact them if your feel you are being pressured to give out personal information.
If you decide to meet someone that you have been communicating with, arrange to meet him (or her) in a public place that you feel comfortable and safe being in. Always provide your own transportation to the date site. This puts you in charge of when you leave, and if this date is falling on the "NO WAY" category, this is a good thing. It goes without saying, do not get into this person's vehicle or agree to go to their home until after you have gotten to know this person very well.
Tell a family member or a friend of the date arrangements (date, time, place). Ask them to call your cell (or send a text) 45 minuets to an hour after you are to meet this person. This is not only for safety reasons but can give you an excuse to end the date early if you so choose.
Getting a "pre-date" background check done before the date, just to make sure this person is not a criminal or a sexual predator, maybe a good idea. You can find dozens of "information vendor" sites on the Internet, but you must be careful, there are laws that apply to what you can and cannot access when checking into someones background. To avoid the tables being turned against you, I suggest using a licensed private investigator or a licensed background screening company. I will leave it to you to decide what techniques you use to get the information you need to do a "pre-date" check, but being honest is probably the best. Gentlemen, while your guys probably will not fall victim to a sexual predator, you can have your identity stolen very easly if you are not careful. When ever possible use cash when paying for dinner or drinks( and no it is not a good idea for your to flash a wad of bills around to impress your date) If you must use a credit card, you hand it to the waiter, you sign the receipt, and you accept the approved copy for your records..don't leave this priceless bit of information laying around for just anybody to copy. Remember a identity thief only needs one of the following: your date of birth, your name, or your social security number and your identity belongs to someone else.
Searching the internet to find someone who you can enjoy a relationship with is fun and exciting, and if you follow these easy steps and use your good common sence, you will have lots of excitement.
About the Author
Writing for me is style of life. It's interesting for me