There are over 170 million American adults using the internet today, and about a third of those are using online classifieds or dating services. With our busy schedules, the internet certainly makes many things in our lives easier, including meeting new people. But unfortunately for some of us, there are times when the convenience and trust we place in the internet is exploited, and things go terribly wrong. Such as in the tragic case of Katherine Olson who was brutally murdered after answering an ad for a babysitter on internet bulletin board Craigslist, or the story of Jeffrey Marsalis, who has been convicted of raping numerous women he met through online dating websites.
As the experts at WiredSafety point out, it’s very easy to get comfortable with someone you’ve met online. There is a false sense of security we feel when talking to someone online because we are in the comfort of our own homes. But online experts remind us how important it is to remember that the people you are meeting on the web are still strangers, and that you should take the same precautions as you would with meeting a stranger on the street. You know so much about them now, their favorite movies, foods, where they work. These are all things they might have told you, but can you be certain it’s all true? Do you know how to protect yourself against potential danger?
- Don’t believe everything you read online. The internet lets people describe themselves, but that can mean information can be left out, or altogether false.
- Don’t give out personal information. Use sites that allow you to mask your personal information, and set up a free email account that you use specifically for online dating sites.
- Take your time, don’t rush into things. Don’t get overly romantic too quick. Review information that they share with you to check for inconsistencies.
- Start with a phone call before meeting someone in person. If you do exchange personal phone numbers, make sure to use caller ID.
- When you do meet, do it with a friend and in a very public place, such as a mall or restaurant.
- Don’t be embarrassed to insist on following the rules. If the person cares about you, they will want to respect you for being careful. Your safety is the most important thing.
Check out the Wired Safety site for more tips on online safety. Working to Halt Online Abuse (WHOA) has some great resources and information about cyberstalking, and what you can do to protect yourself. And there are many resources right here on the AMW Safety Center for helping web users of all ages stay safe.
10 Comments on "Is It Ever Safe To Meet People Online?"
Cynthia Sauls
A woman posing as a Sex Development Doctor approched me online in a parenting chat room. As the conversation went on she turned out to be trying to get me to molest my own son and admitted to molesting her own son all in the name of Sex Education. Someone please direct me on how to get this woman turned in and offline. I have saved the conversation. Please Help…
KIP
Most of these stories about the internet are directed at bad men. There are bad women out there also.
I know one She has verbally, emotionally, physically and sexually abused children for since 1975. She is believed and her victims are silenced.
Her parent drank withthe cops. Buys all the protection she needs to continue her games.
Mike
Check to see if your local police department has an Internet crimes unit. If they do tell them as much as you can. If not then try the F.B.I. the Internet falls under F.C.C. regulations etc. I’m sure they will be interested your sex doctor. Always on the Internet when switches to sexual conversation be very cautious or just log off. There are just to many sick people with computers.
Lisa Wolff
I used to get online to chat with men, and there was this one individual who I thought was going to be the one for me. It turned out that he was a scammer just like the rest of them. I was scammed out of over $8,000 and being lied to by this person who said that he is a US citizen, but, was in Nigeria telling me that he was an engineer. Ladies, if you are reading this, please, do not chat with anyone who say that they are overseeas doing a contract job, and then turns around and says that they need money to be able to come home. You never know…you could be paying a terrorist to kill our families and friends. Just think about it. Lisa
sandi testa
I agree with Lisa Wolf. I was chatting with a man who was suppose to be a world renouned contractor and he tried to get me as the middle man in a stolen credit card thing. I got suspecious and went to the FBI. They may never catch him but at least he knows the FBI is aware of his plan. Be very careful. Dead last a long time.
BEWARE!
I was chatting in a chatroom and met a guy for dinner. I told him my first and last name and what I did as a living and the city I lived in. He used my name to search for my address, phone number and also where I worked (he called around different companies until he found out where I was working since he already knew what I did). He then continuously posted my name, address, phone number, and name of the place I worked in the chatroom where we met. He also kept ‘threatening’ to call my work and talk to my boss. I am much more careful now. DO NOT give out your full name and do not call unless you dial *67 to block your phone number.
Is there any way to report someone like this to the police? What can be done?
Lisa
Cynthia, its good that you saved the conversation, but, have you reported it to the authorities? Do you even know the woman’s name? If so, then, this woman needs to be brought to justice. People like her don’t need to be around children much less her own.
Lisa
There are better places to meet people than on the internet. Places such as church, school, meetings, through friends and family. STAY OFF THE INTERNET. That is where danger is lurking.
Abby
not every person you meet online is a bad person. there has been many people who have met peopleooff of the internet and had a good relationship with them. the only thing that they ever show on the news is all the bad things that happen with meeting people on line. they never shhow the positive. and of course people can lie about them selves which you shold definatly be careful about. and i also do understand that there are bad people on the internet. you just have to be careful on how much information you give out and how much you tell them about your personal life. and when you meet these people you have an area where you meet them in a public place so you don’t get your self into a position that wouldn’t be too good.
you also should NEVER give money to anyone that you have never met before, don’t count on getting it back because you dont know where they could possibly be. they could be living right across the street for al you know.
bobby
When i was 7 i got in a chat room and after 2 months i now live in constant fear of what could happen to me beacause i meet someone online. Because i gave my really name i must stay anonamous but this is a true story that off a young person me has to live in fear so that people might be after me so if u can think of anything that would help me plz send me a email
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