So, you are interested in finding the right way to go about finding the best online dating site that fits your needs.  Of course you are, or you would not be reading this article.  Online dating and social networking is definitely a growing interest.  And there are many sites to choose from.  But, let's first discuss some of the flaws in the majority of these sites

The first, and rightfully so, is the use of these sites by internet predators.  Some people are just out to help themselves through scams or some could possibly be dangerous.  Remember there is no full proof way to screen any of these people who join these sites.  And now the advent of free online dating sites where they care more about traffic to boost their ad revenue.  These sites are especially dangerous because anybody can sign up and have nothing to lose.  Not only does this attract internet predators but you also get people that are really not interested in finding their special someone. The truth of the matter is people will lie to get what they want.  So what can you do to protect yourself?  For starters I would be very wary of free dating sites.  Also be very careful with the information you decide to share with others.  You can describe yourself very well without posting phone numbers and home or work addresses.  Talk with them a while, get to know them online before rushing into sharing personal information.

Another gotcha to watch out for are sites with numerous fake profiles.  The key here is to search around the different sites and search their profiles.  The friendlier sites allow you to search their members to see what you are getting into before you make a commitment.  If the members all look like models, then they probably are.

Along similar lines there can be old profiles that are hanging out there with almost no chance that these people will ever be on this site again.  Here again is where you can stick to sites that allow you to search the members.  The only members that should show up are the currently active members.  Look at it this way, if the site can return the members when you request them to, they can also weed out the expired members very easily.  The sites that do not do this are simply not worth your time.  This is another problem with all of the free online dating sites, the members have no expiration.  It is left up to the member to terminate or close their profile.  Well, lets be realistic here, do you really think they are going to do this.

Do these online dating sites sell my private information?  Yes, some will sell your information to the highest bidder.  Look for the sites that strictly state that your information will be kept private and confidential.

Lastly, how many have heard ‘Free' only to be charge for some other crazy fee.  Most sites say you can sign up for free and then allow you to search 5 or less profiles and then redirect you to a payment screen.  I disagree with this form of marketing.  It is deceiving and just plain wrong.  If you get stuck in this trap, delete your information you have given them and don't look back.  These are the sites that care more about profit than the customer and will sell your information before you know it.  Stay away from the sites that have multi-tiered memberships.  There should only be two, a free membership to allow you to see what the site is about and one other to allow you to open up the rest of the service, period.