With the growing popularity of computer dating services, the OPP is providing the following tips for both online and offline dating safety. If you are meeting someone you have met online, tell a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you are going. And if you have a cellphone, have it with you at all times.
On that first date, drive yourself to and from the meeting place just in case just in case things don’t work out. You need to be in control of your own ride, even if you take a taxi.
If you are drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can’t be tampered with. For your personal safety, the OPP remind individuals to be vigilant at all times, both online and offline.
A full list of their tips is available here…
-Get to know the other person before meeting them offline
-Don’t disclose personal information before meeting in person
-Always meet in public
-Meet for the first time in a populated, public location – never in a private or remote location, and never at your date’s residence
-Stay in a public place – it’s best not to go back to your date’s home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once
-Tell a friend – inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going
-If you own a cell phone, make sure you have it with you
-Stay sober – keep a clear mind and avoid doing anything that would impair your judgment or cause you to make a decision you could regret
-Drive yourself to and from the first meeting – just in case things don’t work out, you need to be in control of your own ride – even if you take a taxi
-Keep personal items with you at all times – you don’t want to risk having personal information stolen
-If you’re drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can’t be tampered with
