The Better Business Bureau Offers Online Dating Safety Advice

According to the Better Business Bureau, online dating complaints are rapidly on the rise. It's easy to get swept up in the romance of looking for love online, but Steve Bernas - Better Business Bureau President and CEO - advises all online daters to think like careful consumers as well.

The BBB received 549 inquiries about online dating services during the last 12-month period, compared to 316 for the previous 12-month period (that's an increase of 73%). During this 12-month period, the BBB has received 50 complaints regarding online dating services, in contrast to the 24 received for the previous 12 month. That's a massive increase of 108%!

Bernas urges singles to read contracts thoroughly before signing up for a dating site, to make sure you fully understand the agreement's scope and limitations before paying the subscription fee. "With matchmaking contracts, it's important to know exactly what you're getting into and what the service offers," he says. "Be sure to read all agreements, guarantees, and instructions before signing and be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could pose a problem later."

To avoid online dating scams, Bernas suggests:

• Familiarizing yourself with common online dating red flags. Be wary of profiles that lack photographs and information in the "About Me" section, as well as individuals who make the following claims: to be in love right away, to be from the U.S. but traveling or working overseas, or to be a member of the military.
• Creating an e-mail account that is used only for online dating. Not only is it an easy way to keep dating emails separate from personal and professional emails, it also keeps your primary email address private.
• Keeping much of your personal information confidential. An online dating profile never needs to include your full name, address, phone number, work information, financial details, or links to your profiles on social networking sites.
• Speaking on the phone before meeting for the first time, and always meeting in a public place. It's easier to spot a fraud over the phone than online, Bernas says.

Choosing is a reputable dating site is also an important part of staying safe online. Bernas offers the following tips for picking a dating service:

• Don't be swayed by advertising. Beware of overblown claims like "For sincere daters only" or "An exclusive network of beautiful singles just like you."
• Know how to end your subscription, and be aware that many dating sites automatically renew memberships.
• Do your homework, and check out the company with BBB at www.bbb.org to review its history.