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Silent Victims

By Michael Rao

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 11Nov2008
Word count: 503
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Internet dating has drawbacks that aren't often mentioned. The practice has been glamorized and encouraged everywhere from commercials to major motion pictures. Even the radio features ads from dating services that promise an end to loneliness for good.

One faucet of this practice is seldom highlighted or mentioned. Men are also victimized by these dating sites as are women. Men have been robbed, assaulted, and some have even died from encounters with "women" met online. They range of these reports is widely varied. Some predators target homosexual individuals, some target the elderly, and others target men in general.

Why don't these incidents receive the attention they deserve? It could be any number of factors. The internet dating industry is a large one, subscriptions to several sites can cost a single member a few hundred to a thousand dollars per year. There's also the stigma that men need "less" protection simply because they are men. Since many of these scam artists seldom work alone, this is not the case.

One man was hospitalized after meeting a woman he met online. She brought a number of men with her who attacked him. How can you ensure you don't become involved in the same situation? A few easy steps and some common sense can help you avoid such problems. Many of the steps recommended for women can help you out, as well.

Even in the beginning, you should proceed with caution! Don't become fixated on the profile picture. These can be easily faked with pictures from any stock photography site. When you have exchanged personal information you should perform a criminal background check. Be on the lookout for charges of fraud, theft, or even robbery. Just as with women seeking men, there are women online who have criminal histories. You should also keep your own information as private as possible. You might be amazed to learn what information is open and available online just by using your own name.

There are also items of information you should never divulge online. Social security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, bank account information, and any other sensitive information should never be given to another individual over the internet.

When the time comes to meet her, be safe. Always meet in public places for the first few dates. Don't let yourself be isolated from others as a group can be waiting near-by in an isolated area. Keep your wallet near-by and don't open it anymore than necessary. The information on your driver's license can be exploited.

If you meet in person and she brings up unusual discussion of investments, banks, or other schemes, excuse yourself and leave the situation. Romance scams commonly target men as well as women. If you come into contact with someone you believe to be a scam artist, end the relationship, and don't respond to further communication.

Have great forethought and consideration of what you do and you can navigate the online dating circuit with ease.

Further Reading:

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/12/Tampabay/Police_say_woman_vict.shtml

http://www.washblade.com/2006/6-9/news/national/internetscams.cfm

Mike Rao writes on Crime Prevention, Self Defense and Security & Surveillance. Please visit his websites and sign up for the free personal safety reports.

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