How safe is online dating?

I met this guy on the internet four months ago (through YM) and two months ago - we started dating. We're really close, but a lot of my friends are wary of our relationship - which brings me to ask, how safe is online dating? And what can be done to make sure that it's safe?





I love him a lot though, and I do not doubt a single moment with him. He's been pretty truthful with me and I know I can trust him, but this is just a general question. BTW, we're meeting in September and I can't wait. =)

How safe is online dating?
My best friend met a guy online and she ran a background check on him before they met. Luckily, he checked out and didn't have a scary past and wasn't married or anything. She used this site -


http://www.peoplefinders.com/
Reply:Its safe read som e online dating tips on this site
Reply:How do you know he is truthful? Is it the font he is using? Listen to your friends be careful.
Reply:Generally speaking, it's not the right way to meet someone, in my opinion, nor is any dating or introduction service. You're better off living your life and meeting people during the course of your affairs.
Reply:i don't know.i am wondering too.please send me message when


you get right answer.
Reply:It's probably as safe as any other method. Like any other venue, always do your homework on people.
Reply:well it all depend on how much information u have given to him. If he demands for excessive info then something must be wrong. however, it may also seem that he wanted to know more abt u so the best way is to follow your feeling towards him and decide the destiny. Also, u may need to prepare yourself when u meet him as i suppose u have not seen his apperance
Reply:Well my mom found a guy from the chat line and still with him after 4 years.
Reply:Online dating isn't as dangerous as meeting a guy in a grocery store. You don't know anything about him just through appearance alone, he may very well be a child molestor. So I'd say, go for it. Just make sure that when you meet him that it is in an open/public area and that your friends and family know that you're meeting him. Maybe you can get one of them to tag along.
Reply:it is 50% safe and 50% unsafe.you may never know his real character.perhaps he is faking it.but if you feel his truthful to you then you can continue it.
Reply:online dating is cool, but how safe... hmmm.. it depends on how much risk are you willing to take or how desperate you are? hehe enjoy
Reply:i dint even have to read your little story, it is very dangerous! i stay as cofidential on here as possible!! i repeat very dangerous!! be careful my friend!!
Reply:It's safe as long as you do not reveal to much of yourself before you feel ready (ie name, address) Always meet in a public place until you feel comfortable. It's really all about trusting your instincts.
Reply:safer than real life
Reply:I meet my boyfriend online about 8 months ago and i couldn't be happier. All my friends thought I was crazy at first, but after awhile they saw how wonderful he was. You always have to protect yourself, so just be safe and have fun.
Reply:Online dating really isn't much less safe than dating someone you met in person. Either way, you're taking a chance on a random stranger. The big difference is that online, people can blatantly lie about who and what they are, although to a lesser degree, that can be done in person, too.





Either way, some basic safety tips can help you get through the first date. Don't give out your address. Arrange your own transportation, instead of driving there together, so you can leave separately (and quickly, if necessary). Meet some place public, like a coffee shop or restaurant, so you can talk and get to know each other, but you're not alone where things can get uncomfortable.





Be careful, but don't let fear get in the way of meeting someone who might be perfect for you. Life is all about taking chances, and a little bit of caution can go a long way.
Reply:not safe
Reply:I think it's a good thing that you're meeting. That way you can make sure that he really is who he pretends to be. I'm very wary about online dating. On the internet, it's easy to hide your negative sides and to pretend you're someone you aren't.





But yes, I hope things work out for you.
Reply:How are you dating if you haven't even met yet? It's impossible to be sure that you are "really close" if it has all been online, or even if there have been phone conversations, it is TOO easy to be deceptive. I would be very cautious.