EmailThe following is what experts say you should look for when considering an online dating service:
- Check the privacy policy. Make sure the site won't sell your name or e-mail address to other companies.
- Survey the sites you're considering for people in your area. Most sites let you search for free, and you want to be sure the site has a larger membership of people who live near you.
- Look for features to help whittle down the list of possible matches.
- Take advantage of free trial offers.
- Never use your real name as your user name, or your primary e-mail address in your profile. It's better to create a separate Hotmail or Gmail account.
- Be suspicious until convinced otherwise. Statistics show that those using online personals often lie or misrepresent themselves.
- Never meet any new potential date alone for the first time. At the very least, plan to meet in a well-populated area.
- Be sure to read and understand all the details of the cancellation policy before you pay any money.
As with most Internet transactions, take steps to ensure your privacy and safety by using disposable e-mail addresses and not divulging personal information until you are confident in the recipient.