Cyber Safety: Online Dating Do’s and Don’ts

By Madison Police Department Technology Committee

Don’t provide personal information too soon: Providing your home phone number and full name allow easy access to who you are and where you live. Identify yourself by first name only.

Use a free e-mail account: If you decide to move your communication from the anonymous e-mail feature provided by the majority of online dating services, consider using an e-mail address that isn’t your regular one.

Use a cell phone or anonymous phone service to chat: When it’s time to move your communications to the next level (talking on the phone), never give out your home number.  Consider Skype or an anonymous phone service to chat.

Look for questionable characteristics in your communications: As you chat via e-mail and on the phone you may be able to start to pick out characteristics of the other person.  Are they controlling, angry or avoiding certain questions?  These may be signs to avoid deeper communications with this person.

Stick with paid online dating services: Free dating services provide a greater opportunity for dangerous individuals. Remember the saying, “You get what you pay for.”

Don’t get a false sense of security: Some online dating services claim to offer “background checks” and when signing up for such a service you may find it easier to let your guard down. Laws differ from state to state when it comes to background checks and this lends to inconsistent reporting.

Meet in a public place for your first meeting: Make sure you provide your own transportation to your first meeting and that a friend knows where you are at and whom you are with.