Make use of the anonymous messaging system – do not give out personal details straightaway. Do not put personal details in your profile or initial messages such as phone number, email address, home address or place of work

You can contact a member using the anonymous messaging system and gradually learn more about them, later choosing if you want to give out more personal contact information, or pursue a relationship. Think about using an email account just for your dating – a free account like Hotmail, or a mobile phone number that you can easily change. If you call another member you can use the blocking technique to prevent you number appearing on Caller ID.

Don’t fake your photograph and don’t lie in your profile or messages – if you’re serious about meeting new people, what’s the point? Remember, it is always better to be yourself.

Don’t be afraid to flirt in messages, but equally don’t promise anything that in reality you’d be uncomfortable with if you were meeting face-to-face.

If you feel uncomfortable about a member, stop contacting them. You can block them so you will not receive unwanted messages. If you feel someone is abusing the service, tell us.

Always use your common sense and be responsible for you conduct.

Arrangements for a safe “offline” date 

When you get to the point of meeting face-to-face follow our simple tips for a safer experience:

Meet in a public place that you know well.

Never arrange for your date to pick you up from your home.

Never allow your date to make arrangements for your travel or hotel accommodation. 

Always have a friend or family member to call on if you need help. Always let them know where you are going and what time you’ll be expected back. Call them to let them know things are ok. Leave details of the person you are going to meet.

Consider going on a double date with some of your friends, or going as part of a group of people you both know.

Remember, when you meet someone for the first time they are still a stranger.

Don’t accept a lift home if you feel uncomfortable about it

Always have a contingency plan for the unexpected so you can get away quickly, and have someone close by you can call on. Take a mobile phone with you – and make sure it is fully charged, working and has enough credit to make calls.

It can take time to get to know someone properly. A person who is truly interested in you won’t mind if you want to take your time in a relationship.

Impostors and liars can be found anywhere, especially in “offline” places such as bars and nightclubs. The internet is no different, however they are more easily spotted online and we will always remove anyone from the site who is less than genuine.

Always use your common sense, keep in control and don’t be forced into doing something you wouldn’t normally do.    

Finally 

Trust your instincts – they are often right. If you feel uncomfortable about someone, stop. Discontinue contact – there are plenty more fish in the sea. If you feel that someone is abusing the service, tell us.

Follow our simple tips for a safer, and more fun experience and you will be well on the way to meeting the partner of your dreams. Thousands of members meet all the time and many find the like-minded person they are looking for.