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Dating Safety: Online Dating Red Flags

© Amy Cunningham

The most important thing to remember in online dating safety is to trust your gut. You know when you feel unsure, uncomfortable or threatened. The key is to remove yourself from these situations before they have a chance to escalate into something more serious. Here are 10 red flags to watch out for when using online dating sites.

1. Trust your gut.
   This is the #1 thing to remember. Your gut will tell you when something is not quite right. Trust it and move on to a potential date where things feel right. When you feel that something isn't quite right, that usually is the case.
   
   
2. Calling at odd hours.
   If a person only calls you at odd hours of the day, they're either hiding something or not really single.
   
   
3. Hushed tones and sudden hang-ups.
   If you call a date and they speak in hushed tones or have a tendency to end calls suddenly, be wary. These are both signs that they are most likely not as single as they claimed to be in their profile ad.
   
   
4. Background checks.
   If the dating service you are using does not automatically require them, don't forget that you CAN ask your date to submit to one.
   
   
5. Do your own research.
   Use the search engines to your advantage. You can also use the "people search" services.
   
   
6. Speaking Vaguely.
   If they always speak vaguely about themselves and never really reveal details, then it's time to move on to someone who does.
   
   
7. They answer questions with other questions.
   If they don't answer your questions, talk in circles, or answer your questions with other questions, that shows that they're hiding something. Some people are naturally shy, quiet, and private, but if you're going to be in a relationship with them, they need to open up.
   
   
8. Love at first site.
   Yes, some people do fall in love at first site, but generally love is something that happens over time. Be wary if your date starts saying "I Love You" after meeting for the first time - or even worse, before even meeting!
   
   
9. They're broke.
   Be wary of any person that immediately tells you that they're broke, just got "laid off" from work, or have been scammed financially in the past. They may be looking to "scam" you in the present.
   
   
10. Asks for personal information.
    Be wary of anyone who asks for your personal information, such as your phone number or home address, very early on in your communications. It may not be a huge red flag, but it's important to be aware for your safety. You also want to be wary if they ask to meet in person right away. Take things slow and get to know them.