Meeting people on the internet should be enjoyable and fun. You should be able to meet lots of people, spend a little time getting to know each one, narrow them down to the few or the one you think you would like to at least be friends with, and then get to know him, her or them better. Finally you should arrive at a comfortable point where it is time to move to the next stage, personal contact.

But in this process keep in mind that there are hidden dangers of that other person possibly having bad intentions of doing you physical harm. We refer to these people as "Predators". Keep them always in the back of oyur mind in order to enjoy your web dating experience instead of allowing it to become a disaster.

As we have said, web dating can be, and probably 99% of the time is, a lot of fun. The following information is not designed to scare you away from web dating or any other use of the internet. Rather it is intended to help ensure that you never have to fall into that 1% of people who do not end up having a good experience dating on the internet.

Predators are truly one in a million, and there is scant evidence that any of the serious predator crimes discussed under this heading have ever taken place in connection with a web dating site. But there is legitimate concern that it may happen someday. It is of course a major concern with similarly styled predators (pedophiles) preying on children on the internet. Don't panic please, the chances of encountering a predator are very low, but it's important that you are aware of any risks to be on the lookout for.

Predators have no conscience and are prepared, indeed planning, to do you grievous harm. They include men who have intentions of sexual assaults on unsuspecting women, and individuals, couples or groups who may wish to lure you, be you male or female, halfway around the world in order rob you, kidnap you, enslave you or worse. Of course they are a few individuals out of millions, and your chances of encountering one of them are extremely low, perhaps lower than being struck by lightning, but if you do you should know the signs to look for and the precautions to take.

Of course their plans are detailed and well thought out, so they will always have a good story to tell. Watch out for too good a story. They have an agenda, so watch out for someone who doesn't want to adapt to your needs. They need to be in control and want to get you on their turf, so don't let them set all the guidelines as to where your first meeting will take place, or when. If you aren't easily controlled you make a difficult victim so it becomes easier to just pass on you and look for someone who does what they're told.

When planning a meeting, don't let them make the rules. You set the meeting place, and make it a public place where there are going to be lots of other people, like a restaurant or coffee shop. Likewise pick a time of day when people are out and about, lunch, afternoon coffee or an early dinner. Use your own transportation, don't allow them to pick you up. Again, they should not be given your address until after you have met them and are comfortable with their intentions.

If you are traveling to met them in another country, the same rules appply. Book your own hotel, and then treat it as your home. Follow the same suggestions above for your first face to face.

We are not experts on this subject. If you wish to know more one place you might start is a book called "Web Stalkers - Protect Yourself from Internet Criminals and Psychopaths", written by Donald Andert & Donald K. Burleson. This is not a comercial plug and this author has no relationship whatsoever with the book named above. You can also google for other sources of expertise on the subject of "predators on the internet"

Have a ton of fun meeting lots of great people on the internet, but play it safe. And if you experience anything that leads you to believe you are dealing with a Predator report it to your website immediately. A quality online dating site will investigate the possible predator and take steps to protect both yourself and all other members from him.