Here are some great tips from match.com to consider before meeting someone in person that you met online
NEVER share your personal or financial information with people you don’t know. Make sure to follow these guidelines at all times when meeting new people online:
-DON’T ever send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. Keep in mind that wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss. Scammers often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers or to someone who claims to be in an emergency (and wants to keep the request a secret).
-DON’T give out your credit card number or bank info
-DON’T share your personal info, such as SSN, address, phone, etc.
There are certain red flags to watch for that may indicate you’re dealing with a scammer. Be aware of anyone who…
-Quickly asks to talk or chat on an outside email or messaging service
-Vanishes mysteriously from the site, then reappears under a different name
-Talks about “destiny” or “fate”
-Claims to be recently widowed
-Asks for your address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts
-Makes an inordinate amount of grammar and/or spelling errors
-Claims to be from U.S. but currently travelling, living or working abroad
-Asks you for money
There is no substitute for acting with caution when communicating with any stranger who wants to meet you. You are in control of your online dating experience at all times – remain anonymous until you feel ready. Remember to always trust your instincts.
Guard your identity.
Don’t share your real name, personal phone numbers, email address, home address, place of work or any other identifying information while IMing or emailing until you have established a reasonable level of trust with the other party. Do not post personal contact information in your profile or username.
Protect your online access information.
Use caution when accessing your account from a public or shared computer so that others are not able to view or record your password or other personal information.
Block abusive users.
Stop communicating immediately with anyone who pressures you for personal or financial information.
First meetings are exciting, however, always take precautions and use the following guidelines.
Meet for the first time in a populated, public location – never in a private or remote location.
Tell a friend.
Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going. If you own a mobile phone, make sure you have it with you.
Stay sober.
Do not do anything that would impair your judgment and cause you to make a decision you could regret.
Drive yourself to and from the first meeting.
Just in case things don’t work out, you need to be in control of your own ride – even if you take a taxi.
Don’t leave personal items unattended.
You don’t want to risk having personal information stolen. If you’re drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can’t be tampered with.
Stay in a public place.
It is best not to go back to your date’s home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.
Long Distance Meetings
Long distance meetings pose special safety concerns to take into account. Keep these tips in mind.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Mama was right on target with this bit of advice. Remember that, when it comes to your personal safety, it’s not only OK to snoop, it’s your duty. Here are a few additional guidelines:
If you can’t afford a hotel, don’t go. DO NOT stay in the other person’s home.
Use a taxi or rental car to get to and from the airport.
Even if the person you’re meeting volunteers to pick you up from the airport, do not get into a personal vehicle with someone you’ve never met.
Keep your hotel location confidential.
The person you’re meeting should respect your privacy until you know each other.
Remember to keep your family and friends posted.
Tell someone who you are meeting, where you are going and when you will return.
