Posted by The RSVP Team on
RSVP is a partner in National Cyber Security Awareness Week, an initiative run by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to raise awareness of how Australians can improve their online security and protect their personal information when using the Internet. Whether you're banking, shopping, communicating or dating, it is important that you can use the internet confidently and securely. Over the coming week, RSVP will be sharing information about how you can protect your personal information when doing things online.
To get started, here are some tips from RSVP that should guide your online dating behaviour and how you communicate with other singles.
Like so many things we do online, dating is secure as long as you follow some simple principles and exercise commonsense.
TIPS FOR CREATING A SECURE PROFILE
1. Carefully select an online dating username
RSVP asks you for a username for the purpose of protecting your personal information. Your username should be a reflection of your personality but not be a derivation of your real name.
2. Create a unique password for your online dating account
When deciding on a password, make it unique. That means differentiate if from your other online passwords and don't use something simple and easy to guess like your first name with a number before or after it.
3. Never share personal or identifying details in your dating profile
That means no details about your family, work or where you live and definitely no private contact details. Remember your online dating profile is published publicly - you would not give out your home address and phone number to someone you met on the street, so don't do it online.
TIPS FOR SECURE ONLINE DATING
1. Use the system to protect your privacy
RSVP provides members with an anonymous and secure email address. When you communicate through the site, your personal information is protected by this anonymous exchange. It is designed to enable you to get to know other members before exchanging personal information. You have 30 days of unlimited communication with another member once a Stamp has been used and you've begun exchanging emails. Use this system until you are ready to meet and don't let anyone rush you to take things offline or to other communication channels such as your personal email, mobile etc.
2. Be alert to early declarations of love
If someone you are in contact with starts declaring their love for you within a matter of weeks (or even days), be cautious. The emails may be long and romantic, so be careful to use your best judgement. If you are unsure, get a second opinion from a friend or suggest a phone call with them to help you make a decision about this person's intentions or legitimacy.
3. Beware of anyone who talks money
Be on the lookout if there is any mention of financial difficulty and the need or request for financial assistance. This can come in the form of requests for money to pay for a visa, an airfare or medical expenses. Beware of anyone asking you to use a wire transfer service or provide your financial details.
Similarly, beware of anyone who offers money to you. These are always scams. Why would someone you don't know want to give you money?
Put simply - under no circumstances should you provide bank account, financial details or money.
4. Do not follow links to other sites
Emails that ask you to follow links to other sites are likely to be part of a scam activity and should not be clicked. Reputable dating sites like RSVP do not have links to photos on other sites.
5. Report suspicious behaviour
If you come across a profile or meet someone online who seems suspicious, report it to the dating site and request that the member is investigated. It's better to be safe than sorry.
For more information on National Cyber Security Awareness Week, visit the Stay Smart Online website.
The RSVP Team
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