However it is an unfortunate fact that whilst the vast majority of people using these services are decent law abiding citizens looking for love there are those that seek to exploit the vulnerability of singles online.
Online Single Dating services provide one key feature that a lot of singles overlook, and that is the fact that it allows you to remain anonymous, and only contact people who you feel comfortable with.

Here are 4 online dating safety tips to help you avoid dangerous situations online and if should you decide to meet someone offline. Do make sure that if you take the step to meet someone that you are not setting yourself up in a dangerous situation?

1) All of these things boil down to the fact that safety online starts with you. If you are thinking of joining an online dating agency or have already joined, be sure to practice safety guidelines. People asking for financial help or other kinds of help will be a positive online dating safety warning sign no matter how polite, sweet and charming they are.

To make online dating work, it is imperative that you exercise caution. At online dating sites the focus is on personalities, interests, values and so on - the type of information that helps you determine if someone's "the one. This is perhaps why online dating services and matchmaking sites have become so popular over the years.

2) When and ONLY when you feel comfortable with the person you have been emailing, give them your contact phone number, preferably your mobile. Even if you are already eyeing the profile of somebody that you particularly like, it is still best not to divulge any personal information like e-mail address, home address, contact number, or any pertinent information that would reveal your true identity. Giving your real email address, personal web site URL, last name, phone number, place of work, home address, or any other information that identifies you in your profile or first few emails that you exchange with other members makes you an EASY VICTIM.

3) Never, ever include your real name, address or contact details in your profile or personal ad, or communications with other members. If traveling to meet, make your own arrangements for overnight accommodation and don't give out the name or address of your hotel. Try not to get to caught up in the flow of Dating Online, take a step back and ask yourself if things are moving too fast.

4) If you are planning to meet for the first time make sure it is in a public place. Not secluded or a private area that you could be spooked by, this is just common sense. Make sure you know who you are dealing online before meeting them offline. If not and your date wants to meet back at their place think twice. The consequence is if things do not work out where do you go from there. Do not feel trapped and vulnerable give yourself an safety option. It's just a cautious approach and any long term relationship has to start of with trusting each other.

5) On your first date do not drink to much keep in control, and know your limits. It's self preservation you do not want to blow your first date because you were nervous, drink to much and became sick. What a catastrophe that would be!

Whatever your reason, online dating can definitely help make it happen much sooner than many of the other tedious dating activities which most of us have experienced at some stage. In conclusion: Online Single Dating is one of the greatest developments in our day and age. While cheaters, liars and frauds certainly can be very convincing on the Web, you will also find them in nightclubs and offline dating services, parties or even sitting across from you at your local coffee house. This is just a cautious approach for something that can be very fulfilling.