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Internet Dating Safety Tips for Men

by Chloe ◊ November 19, 2008

Published in Dating

1 comments – join the discussion!

Internet Concept

When you think about internet dating safety, you likely think of it in terms of what is safe for a woman; who she should talk to, what information she should give out, etc. Safety is just as important for men as it is for women. In fact, as 70% of the members of internet dating websites are men, it may be even more important for men than it is for women. They simply have to go about it a little differently.

The statistics show that, online, men are scammed out of nearly twice as much money as women-- $1.97 per man as opposed to $1.00 per woman. So it's very important for you men out there to be very careful about internet dating, as you're at a greater risk of something going wrong than a woman is. The difference is that your risk is mainly financial.

Things Men Should Watch Out For

There are a lot of people out there looking to scam lonely men out of their hard-earned cash, and they get better and better at it every day. So if your financial and emotional safety is important to you (and I'm sure it is!) keep an eye out for the following signs that something isn't kosher.

She's too hot. No, it doesn't seem fair, but it's a fact: if a woman seems too hot to be so into you, there's a good chance she's trying to scam you. If beautiful women aren't knocking down your door, but some woman who seems too good to be true says she's crazy about you, your defenses should go up.

She's too fast. The above point is especially true if you haven't chatted enough to allow a woman to get to know you well. If you haven't spent much time talking, but a woman professes to be crazy about you, you should definitely proceed with caution. We women need time to get to know a man before we will develop feelings, especially with internet dating.

She requests money or credit card info. If a woman that you have never seen in person begins asking you for money, she's generally trying to scam you. Yes, it's true that it's possible for a situation like this to be legitimate, but it almost never is. The same applies to credit card numbers or personal info; never give them out.

Her number doesn't work. If a woman has given you her phone number but you can't ever reach her there, be careful. If a number doesn't work or you always have to text or page a girl to request a call back, something isn't 100% above-board.

She's pushy. If a woman pushes you for commitment (or even marriage) before it seems reasonable, beware. She may be trying to scam you... or she may just be unbalanced. Either way, don't allow her to push you, as it's not a sign of a mentally healthy, well-meaning woman.

Internet Dating Safety Tips

1. Stay anonymous. One of the biggest safety concerns men face when internet dating is financial and/or identity theft. The best way to protect yourself against this is to keep your identity secret until you feel completely comfortable with a person. Don't provide your last name, personal email, home address, telephone, or even employment information on your profile. Switch off your email signature when internet dating with somebody you don't know well. And if anybody pressures you for your personal information, cut the relationship dead. Drastic, but necessary.

2. Talk on the phone first. While talking on the telephone with somebody that you're internet dating won't guarantee that you will not be scammed, it can be a great way to avoid emotionally unstable women. After all, it's a lot easier to tell if there's something a little "off" about somebody when you speak to them.

3. Never send money. This is the most important thing a man can do for his internet dating safety. If you have never met a woman in person, never send her money. That is, unless you are willing to lose it. Somebody that you're dating may insist that she needs money for a plane ticket, luggage, or transportation to come visit you. Don't send it, and don't give out your financial information. 99% sure that the woman you're chatting with is legit? Send a gift to her personal address. If she's trying to scam you, she won't give out her address, and the gift will go undelivered.