A beginners guide to internet safety

There’s a tendency to assume that only children need to be taught about safety online, and while it’s certainly correct that our children need to be protected and armed with the knowledge to keep themselves safe, believing that adults don’t need the same knowledge is a far cry from the truth. We’re all familiar with the concept of being safe online, but sometimes forget what it entails and how it applies to us. 

The current popularity of online dating sites makes having an understanding of internet safety particularly important. The most obvious of the risks of using these websites may be deemed to be physical safety when meeting someone in person. However, other risks include stalking and harassment, fraud and being defrauded, as well as the possibility of having money stolen if you do not make secure transfers when paying for dating services. Situations in which users have been subject to webcam blackmail have also arisen in recent years. Further, less honest websites have been known to set up fake accounts or profiles in order to retain clients who may otherwise have stopped paying for their services. 

If you have, or think you may have, been subject to any of these violations it may be worth considering investigators to find out more, or simply to give you peace of mind. Remember you can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can do background checks to ensure that people are who they say they are, and that they actually exist. If you would feel safer meeting your date in person for the first time while under surveillance, we can help realise that option. 

Taking precautionary steps is, of course, also advisable. Refraining from including personal details such as your place of work, address and phone number. Choosing reputable websites which will keep your information private is of the utmost importance. When meeting a date it is important to follow some basic rules, such as sticking to populated public places where you won’t be alone, and not getting a lift with your date. You should also keep an eye on your drink to ensure it isn’t drugged and on your belongings to avoid theft. While relationships may be based on trust, it’s worth making sure that your trust is correctly placed.