| Safety-wise, meeting
online is similar to meeting people off-line in that you should
always use your best judgement and be responsible for your own
conduct. We advise the following:
|
| 1. You are in control |
| Remember that you are in control of your online dating experience
at all times, so go at a pace that suits you. Remain anonymous
using your member name until you are ready to give out any personal
information. |
| 2. Don't include contact information in your profile |
| Never include your personal contact information in your
free member profile e.g. last name, e-mail address, home address,
work place or phone numbers. All correspondence between meetingpeople365.com
members takes place using a system where your true identity
is always protected until you decide to reveal it. |
| 3. Always trust your instincts |
| Common sense is the best safety
tool. Protect yourself by taking your time and thinking through
fully any decision you make. |
| 4. Block Members |
| If a member is sending inappropriate messages, then remember
you can block them at any stage by clicking the block icon in
their profile. But it is important to let us know if a serious
incident arises so that we can take action. |
| 5. Stop Communicating |
| Also stop communicating with any member who pressures you
for personal information or who won't seem to take no for an
answer. People who are serious about online dating will understand
your need to take your time. |
| 6. Ask a lot of questions |
Watch out for any inconsistencies
in what you are being told or in the behaviour of who you are
communicating with, for example:
Details about themselves e.g. interests, employment, etc. keep
changing.
Appearance is very different from how they described themselves.
Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing
online communication.. |
| 7. Request a photo |
As you are communicating with another member,
it can be fun and useful to see a photo of them. With meetingpeople365.com,
all members can put up a private photo, which can only be accessed
when the member gives permission for another member to see their
photo. |
| 8. Chat on the phone |
| Before meeting someone it is useful
to talk on the phone as this will tell you a lot about a person's
social and communication skills. Protect your security when
using the phone by withholding your telephone number or using
a mobile/public phone. Only give out your phone number when
you are totally at ease. |
| 9. Meet when you are ready |
| The great thing about online dating
is that you get to know the person before you decide if you
want to date off-line. You are never obliged to meet anyone.
Even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you can always change
your mind if you don't feel totally comfortable. |
| 10. When you meet |
Let someone know where you are going on your date & who
with.
Choose a safe public place, such as a pub or restaurant. A good
tip is to go somewhere you are familiar with.
Provide your own travel arrangement & take your mobile with
you.
Let your date know how to recognise you if you haven't exchanged
photos.
If you feel uncomfortable at any stage, excuse yourself to call
a friend for advice or ask for the assistance of someone else
on the scene. Never feel embarrassed, your safety is your top
priority.
Remember do not get overly concerned, basic common sense and
intuition are your best guide. |