Dear Reader,

 Because so many people are looking for romance online, I have decided to share with you a slightly abridged article titled PLAYING IT SAFE ONLINE by Linda Alexander:

People looking for love are swarming into cyberspace. As a result, many individuals have begun relationships online with people they have not met and know little about. 
  
With so many people communicating via the Net and deciding to date virtual strangers, it is important to be safe and be smart. Common sense can go a long way to keep you safe. Here are some guidelines for playing it safe: 
  
Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. 
  
Begin by first communicating solely by email or online chat. Be vigilant in noticing odd behavior or inconsistencies. If someone is evasive, this is a red flag. "Listen" to your correspondent's words. The person at the other end may not be who or what he/she says. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection. 

Find out as much information as you can. 
Learn to ask many questions. Find out where he grew up, where she works, and how he is connected to his community. Be suspicious if someone is unwilling to reveal any personal identifying information. Probe any discrepancies in their stories. If your correspondent is unwilling to answer your questions, this is another red flag.

  
Honesty is the key to success. 
Represent yourself accurately. Exaggerating or deceiving is easy online. Areas to be particularly cautious about are marital status and physical appearance. Begin with a request for a picture and send them a recent one of you. If someone is unwilling to send a recent photo, this is a sign that person has something to hide. After you have exchanged photos, continue to fill in the gaps, so that the other person knows the real you. 
  
Talk on the telephone and continue to learn more about your correspondent. 
A phone call can reveal a lot about a person's communication and social skills. It is worth the cost of the call to protect your security. But do not give out your phone number to a stranger. Take time to develop comfort and trust before furnishing your phone number. 
  
Don't rush into anything. 
Meeting someone online and then arranging a date in a short time can be dangerous. Take time to find out who this person really is. If someone is pressuring you to get together before you are ready, this is another warning sign. If anything feels strange as you get to know this person, then it is time to back away and look for another match.