Online dating is becoming ever popular. Whilst it can be fun and a great way of meeting someone, it’s important to be aware of the risks.

DO keep your personal details such as name, phone numbers, address etc private. Don’t give out any details which can help a person find you.

DO consider using Smart Call if you don't want to give out your real phone number.There is no way of tracing your details if you use this number and you can monitor who is calling you.

DO set up a ‘third party’ email account and forward dating emails to your personal account. This is another good way of protecting your identity. Make sure you don’t have any signature/personal details in your email.

DO consider setting up a P.O Box if you are going to be receiving any post from your online contacts.

DO leave something to the imagination! Raunchy nicknames and suggestive comments can all be fun but could create the wrong impression and attract people you definitely wouldn’t want a relationship with!

If at anytime you feel uncertain or threatened or even just get a bad feeling about someone, then drop all contact. Most dating sites should have safeguards and systems in place against people who are abusive in anyway. Always report anyone you feel is abusive or threatening.





I’m sitting here in my negligee eating strawberries dipped in champagne…actually, I’m not…but how would you know? Always be wary. It’s very easy to lie when you’re sat behind your computer desk in your jim-jams eating your 7th chocolate bar of the day! But if you can do it, so can everyone else and their lies might not be so harmless.