Two weeks ago we talked about the dangers of online dating and a number of incidents we’ve heard in the news over including carjacking’s, burglaries and rape. Although these type of meetings and dating were uncommon years ago, they are now fairly common making it difficult to stay away from. Because of this, Crescent City Law wants to make sure that you and your loved ones are always safe from any danger, suspicious activity or scammers. You do not want to be the next victim of an online dating meet-up gone wrong.
Do’s & Dont’s of Online Dating
Meeting a stranger under any circumstance can put you at risk, but in today’s society, online dating and meeting people through websites such as Craigslist.org and Airbnb.com are popular as well. So, Crescent City Law has put together a short list of the Do’s and Dont’s of Online Dating / Meeting.
DO:
- Create an online profile that does not reveal too much personal information about you that can lead someone to find you in person when you don’t want them to.
- Create a new e-mail address specifically for online dating that doesn’t have your name in it.
- Be wary of any communication that requests you to do something immediately or during an odd time.
- Be extra cautious when you are accessing your account in public or a shared computer.
- When deciding to meet someone from the internet, meet in a very public location in broad daylight and tell a trusted friend or family member that you are going on this “Date” – the time and location. Call your friend when you get home from the date to let them know you’re safe!
DON’T:
- Give out your full name when meeting someone online, regardless of how trustworthy they sound.
- Give out your mailing address, social security number, credit card information or other sensitive personal data.
- Meet someone in the middle of the night or alone in a private location.
- Get drunk when meeting someone, especially when you meet for the first time.
- Get in the car with someone you just met. Never get in a car with someone who has had too much to drink.
- >Forget to tell a trusted friend or family member where and when you are meeting someone so they know when to expect you home after the meeting.
What to Watch Out For When Dating Online
If you are actively meets dates through online apps like eHarmony, Match.com, OKCupid.com or Tinder, you need to make sure you look out for any signs of suspicious activity, scammers, or dangerous people. Here are some warning signs that you can point out right away from scammers or those that might want something from you, such as:
- Someone asks you for money.
- Tells you they are recently widowed.
- Asks for your address in order to send flowers or gifts.
- Claims to be traveling or living abroad but is an American citizen.
- Asks to chat or meet right away.
- Talks immediately about how you are destined to be together.
- Sends you e-mails with links.
- Mysteriously disappears from the dating site and reappears under a different name.
These are just a few of the common signs of scammers and suspicious people. Some live abroad, some are U.S. citizens who are trying to scam people or might have a little crazy tendencies. Regardless, these are the signs, and you should stay away from dangers like these.
Who Do I Contact If I Suspect Suspicious Activity?
If you believe that the person you are “talking” to is possibly a scammer, dangerous or a minor, you should make sure that you block this person through the dating service. If you are worried for your safety, then report this person to the dating service immediately.
If you have met someone (in person or just online) and believe they could be dangerous or suspicious and are afraid for your life, or the safety of you or your family, you should immediately call the police regarding this matter.
Do you need a Lawyer for an cyber stalking charge?
Do you believe that you are the victim of an erroneous arrest, charge or accusation after meeting someone from an online dating site or another website such as Craigslist? Call an experienced criminal defense attorney who can listen to you and your story, and ensure that your rights are not being violated. It is my goal to make sure you and your family are not bearing unnecessary stress while also remaining safe privately. I am available for off-site meetings, nights and weekends by calling (504) 264-9492 or toll-free at (866) 459-4478 or you can message me online.
