Looking for Love Online? Think Before You Click

Use caution to avoid scams when you visit dating websites

Updated Feb. 11, 2011

Love is in the air at this time of year. It’s also right on your computer screen. The Valentine you’re looking for might be just a click of the mouse or a push of your smart phone away.

Dating websites are very popular. You can find dozens of websites online. Some sites even cater to people of a certain age or background or religion. Not every dating website will be right for you, but certainly more and more singles are going online trying to find love. Consumer Affairs wants to make sure you don’t also find trouble when you use your personal or credit card information.

Follow these tips when using online dating sites:

Watch for trial memberships

Many online dating services offer trial memberships that let you search their site or even set up a profile free of charge for a short time. However, you usually need to pay for a full membership if you want to contact other members. Be sure to read the terms of a trial membership before you sign up. Some automatically enroll you if you do not cancel before the trial period ends.

Protect your identity

When you create your online profile, consider using a nickname instead of your real name. Do not include your:

• Full or last name
• Phone number
• Address
• Place of employment

Only give out identifying information when you are ready. If someone pressures you for personal information or makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t respond to them. Notify the dating service of the problem.

If you choose to meet someone in person, don’t bring them to your home right away. In fact, consider meeting at a neutral site away from your immediate neighborhood.

Maintain your privacy

Before signing up, check the privacy and safety features the service provides. Many services use “double-blind” email or instant-messaging programs that allow you to contact other members without them knowing your personal email address. Also, consider setting up a separate email address just for your online dating.

Sites should also allow you to block people you don’t wish to contact you. Always report those who break the rules to the service provider.

Be extra cautious with gifts or money

Scammers sometimes use online dating sites to find new victims. It’s a red flag if another member offers you gifts or asks you send money. If they talk a lot about financial difficulties, they might be trying to take advantage of you. If you feel threatened in any way, stop communicating with them and report them to website’s administrators.

Canceling the contract

Review the cancellation policy before you sign up. You have a three-day right to cancel if the service is headquartered in California. Also, find out if the provider uses automatic renewals or if your membership simply expires at the end of the term.

Check your credit card bills

If you experience billing problems with your membership, contact your provider’s customer service department or your credit card company to dispute the charge. If you’re still having problems, call us for help.

For information on this or any consumer issues, call Consumer Affairs and speak with one of our counselors at (800) 593-8222.