Police, teachers and parents dedicate much time to teaching children about Internet safety, many online shoppers have learned the dos and don'ts when it comes to handing over personal information online, but there's one area on the World Wide Web where adults are still falling into serious trouble.
A recent string of criminal incidents has highlighted the importance of putting safety first when it comes to Internet dating.
A 42-year-old Bancroft, Ont. man was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting a woman he met online after he showed up at her house and found her in the company of another man.
Peel Police arrested a 28-year-old man on Feb. 17 after he allegedly violently sexually assaulted a woman he'd met on the Internet. The two agreed to meet in a restaurant, but police say he attacked the victim when they were in her car.
"In light of disturbing trends ... police would like to remind the public of the potential dangers when meeting an Internet acquaintance face to face," a warning Peel Police released about Internet dating read. "Police would like to ensure that when using such services, both women and men remain vigilant with respect to personal safety."
And in December 36-year-old Jivesh Jagoda, dubbed the "Online Casanova", was sentenced to three years in prison by a Kitchener, Ont. judge for defrauding 13 women he met online for $150,000.
Many incidents may go unreported, Edmonton Police spokesman Jeff Wuite said.
"If they considered it to be minor, they won't report it because they're embarrassed even though it might not be minor," Wuite said.
While some online daters may be handing over sensitive information to the wrong people, Toronto-based dating service Lavalife says it takes the safety of its 600,000 users very seriously.
That starts with a "terms of use" policy in which members agree not to harass other users or use inappropriate language. Content monitors also check photos and bios before they're posted to ensure they don't contain identifying personal information.
Members are also encouraged not to use their real names.
"I can tell you that on the site we have approximately 1.3 million messages that are exchanged every single day, so that's a massive, massive number of communications that go back and forth," Lavalife spokeswoman Lori Miller said, adding the number of complaints the company receives is relatively small.
Here are some tips on staying safe while looking for love online:
- Ensure the dating service is reputable. Check its registration and privacy policy.
- When chatting, use an alias, an e-mail address that doesn't include your name, and avoid relaying too many personal details such as where you live or work.
- Once you've shared personal details, Google the person to see if he or she is legit, verify phone numbers, and follow up with any references that could confirm his or her identity.
- Ask for a variety of photos and ask complex questions.
- When meeting in person, do so in a public place and in a group, if possible.
- Always make sure you tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting, and what time you'll be back.
- Ensure you have your own transportation there and back. Consider public transit so your date won't know what car you drive and will have a tougher time trying to follow you home.
