While online dating can be fun and exciting, we all need to use common sense and take precautions. Here are a few simple guidelines:

1. Watch out for someone who seems 'too good to be true'. Start communicating solely via DMI's Anonymous Email. Look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. "Listen" to your correspondent's words. The person at the other end may not be who or what he/she says. Trust your instincts.

2. Do not divulge too much personal information initially. Innocent comments about the exact area in which you live, where you work or the type of car you drive may provide more information than you may intend. Remember, once you've given information, you can't take it back. Think twice and read your message again before you hit the 'Send Message' key.

3. Protect your personal and work email addresses. The importance of Anonymous Email that DMI offers cannot be stressed enough. Our Anonymous Email Forwarding ensures the person with whom you are corresponding will only know you by your Username as long as you don't give out your email address in your correspondence. If you do choose to give out a personal email address, it is wise to create a separate email address used exclusively for online personals. NEVER use your personal, home or business email address unless you are ready. If you think someone is lying, it is likely that they are, so act accordingly and move on to someone you can eventually trust. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner and do not fall in love at the 'click of a mouse'. Do not become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online. A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling about your correspondent.

4. Meet when YOU are ready. The beauty of meeting and corresponding online is that you can gradually gather information and then make a choice about pursuing the relationship in the real world. You are never obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And even if you do decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind.

5. Let someone else know where you are going and with whom you'll be and call them when you return from your date, even if only to let them know you had a great time. Meet your date in a public place such as a restaurant or bookstore. Make sure it's a place where there will be other people. Never give out your address or allow your date to pick you up at home. You're not being paranoid, just cautious.

6. Always be honest, it is the best policy. It can be very easy and tempting to tell a 'white lie' when emailing or chatting with someone online. Everyone wants to be seen in the very best light and no one likes to talk about their faults. Remember, everyone has faults, and it's best to be honest and up front. This is a smart way to avoid disappointments later.

Pay attention to displays of anger, extreme frustration or attempts at pressuring or controlling you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all Red Flags. You should also be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following conduct without providing an acceptable explanation: