Generally, meeting people through online dating communities is as safe as meeting people off-line.
Nevertheless, OmniDate provides additional features for your safety. For example, we provide you with your own private mailbox on the our system, while your personal email remains confidential. We also provide you with an ability to get to know other singles in the safety of a virtual date, before meeting them in person.
Still, when meeting other people, whether online or off-line, you should use your best judgment and be responsible for your own conduct. OmniDate does not conduct background checks on its members or check the accuracy of members’ profiles. It is your responsibility to take the time to ensure the person you are communicating with is trustworthy.
Please consider the following safety tips:
- Don’t Reveal Your Personal Contact Information. Do not include in your member profile your last name, e-mail address, home address, work place or phone numbers. Choose a username which reflects something you like (e.g., hobby, dessert, game, etc) or some part of your personality (e.g., happy, bouncy, loving, etc) or something else which doesn’t reveal to others who you are. All correspondence between you and other OmniDate members takes place using a system where your true identity is protected until you decide to reveal it.
- Report Inappropriate Behaviors. If you notice other members engage in inappropriate behaviors make sure to report these to OmniDate staff by clicking Report Abuse. OmniDate staff investigates all reports and may remove reported members from the site.
- Request a Photo. As you start communicating with other members, ask them to post their photos (if they have not already done so). You may feel more secure to interact with people when you know what they look like.
- Move Forward at Your Own Pace. People who are serious about starting a meaningful relationship will respect your desire to move forward at a comfortable pace. Unfortunately, some people may exhibit “pushy” behaviors when online. We recommend you stop communicating with any member who pressures you for personal information, insists on meeting before you are ready or who won’t take “No” for an answer. Please note that you can click Block This Member to block a pushy member from seeing your profile or communicating with you altogether.
- Go on Virtual Dates. Get to know other people over a virtual cup of coffee. In the unscripted environment of a virtual date, you’ll get a much better sense for what other singles are really like (as opposed to just reading their Profiles). While on a virtual date, ask questions and look out for inconsistencies in answers. For example, do their personal details (e.g., interests and employment history) fit together or keep changing?Virtual dating is also a great way to find out whether you click with the person behind the profile before you rush off to meet them. Do you have similar interests and aspirations? Do you enjoy the same music? Do you make each other laugh? When you do meet in person, you will feel a sense of familiarity and will have a foundation to build on.
- Speak on the Phone. Before meeting someone in person, we suggest you speak on the phone first. You may want to further protect your security by initiating the call and blocking your telephone number. Only give out your phone number when you are totally at ease. Aside from safety considerations, speaking on the phone first will allow you to learn additional information about a person’s social and communication skills.
- Meet Only When You Are Ready. One benefit of online dating is that you get to know the person before you decide whether or not you want to meet off-line. Make sure you feel completely comfortable meeting before scheduling an in-person date. Remember that you are not obliged to meet anyone.
- Take Precautions When Meeting In-Person. When you are ready to meet in-person, choose a safe public place (e.g., a coffee shop) that you are familiar with. Let a friend know who you are meeting and where you are going on your date. Remember to bring your cell. Make your own travel arrangements; do not accept offers to be picked up and dropped off. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, end the date early or excuse yourself to call your friend. Never feel embarrassed – your safety is your top priority.
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