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Most people out there are just great folks, BUT there are some odd folk that you should be aware of and you would be well advised to take some simple precautions.  Please take a few moments to read our advice before you use our site.   We cannot be held responsible for your safety, as we don't vet the people or the ads that they place here.

 
DON'T tell all in your ad...  never include your last name, place of employment, address, phone number, home address or anything else that could help identify or locate you!!!  And never do so in subsequent emails or over the telephone either, until you feel absolutely safe and comfortable to do so.
 

 
Don't use an email address that you can readily be identified from, such as one that belongs to your employer's domain name or one that contains your last name.  In fact, it's a very good idea to create an email address purely for use for this site.  Your service provider will usually offer more than one email address so if you have a spare one or one that you use rarely, then it's a good idea to set up an email address just for use for receiving personal replies.

It is NOT a good idea anymore to use a Hotmail as your free email account : First, you must log in at least once every 30 days. If you don’t, your account will be deemed inactive and closed, and all your messages and contacts will be deleted.

Second, if you let your account go over the 2MB storage limit the Hotmail Janitor will randomly delete messages until your account is reduced to 2MB!  And Hotmail inboxes have a way of filling up fast with junk mail, so you must be sure to check very regularly and delete unwanted or large messages.  We have had to delete many of our profiles because the Hotmail addresses used became inactive or useless.

 
Speak at least three times on the phone before you arrange to meet.  A genuine person will appreciate the need for you to feel comfortable and at ease before you meet.  Do pay attention to your gut-feelings and never meet someone if you feel at all uncertain or uneasy.  Listen to your instincts!
 

Don't keep your first meeting a secret ... make sure that a friend or family member where you are going and who with.  Leave your respondent's phone number with someone you trust for added safety.  If you can, take a cell phone with you.

Select a safe meeting place, in public, where there are other people around.  Avoid secluded places, late night rendezvous and never be alone with them (whether you are a man or a woman).

 
Despite maybe being nervous, do be sure to keep a clear head by drinking only moderately if you are meeting in a bar or pub, etc..
 

NEVER meet at your home (or theirs) or at your place of employment until you know them well.

 
End your first meeting in a public place where other people are present.  Be courteous.  Don't make any false promises.
 

Sharon
(and friends)