A general rule to follow is this: Prior to giving your telephone number or other private data, try chatting for at least a couple of weeks. Great patience is required on your part, because the internet is frequented by many scammers and deviants. Be certain to utilize all existing legal tools to analyze and evaluate the person with whom you are thinking of developing a relationship. This will help you decide the worthiness of your potential mate.

Dating online can be very dangerous, but if you take care to protect yourself, you will not be taken advantage of by scammers and frauds. The first rule to remember is to always trust your instincts, as most people have a sense of when something is good and correct. They can also tell when a situation is not quite right. If you listen to those instincts you will be able to keep yourself out of dangerous situations in online dating.

It can be troublesome to give out your personal information to move your relationship forward, but it is an important step. Stay away from anyone who asks you for your phone number, or other information, on the same day you first made contact with one another. Two weeks is a good timeframe to wait if you've been in constant contact and shared at least 10 emails between each other. A person can use your phone number to find out more about you, so listen to your instincts and don't give out your information if you feel pressured or wary of the situation. If you're not comfortable giving it out, then don't do it is the number one rule in this situation. The other person should understand and respect your decision. If they keep pressuring you, then kick them to the curb because it's not worth it. A level of comfort and safety is what a relationship is built upon.