Finding someone special online has gone from underground to mainstream, with more than 3 million people signing up on some of the top sites. So with that many people to choose from, it should be easy enough to keep yourself safe, right? Not necessarily. When you're picking from the online cream of the crop, keep a few tips in mind. Before you even sign up, do some research on the matchmaking company of your choice. Use a reputable company that has similar interests as you - many niche online dating companies cater to those who practice a certain religion, hold certain professions, and other proclivities. Choosing one that aligns with your beliefs helps weed out incompatible and potentially unpleasant matches. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints levied against the companies you're considering, and when you do sign up, protect your anonymity. Create a user name that doesn't resemble your given name, particularly your last name. This would make you much more easily searchable, particularly if you give detailed geographic information - also a no-no.
It's best to be vague about where you live, particularly if you live in a very small town. "Chicago area" might be preferable to naming a small suburb. Monitoring software is a great idea to install before you sign up - programs like Spector Pro record data from every IM, chat, email and other correspondence, should you ever need it for the online company's administrator or even police. If you choose to meet someone in person from an online dating site, be sure that you aren't pressured into it. Make it a public date in the daytime - brunch, afternoon coffee or lunch are good options - and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you'll be with and when you should be expected to return. Many men and women set up a safe word to utter during a phone call, should they feel like they're in danger or simply that the date isn't going well. Take precautions before you find love online - it's there, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.