With so many people communicating via Net and deciding to date virtual strangers, it is important to be safe and be smart. Common sense can go a long way to keep you safe. Here are some guidelines for playing it safe:

Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by first communicating solely by email or online chat. Be vigilant in noticing odd behavior or inconsistencies. If someone is evasive, this is a red flag. "Listen" to your correspondent's words. The person at other end may not be who or what he/she says. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.

Find out as much information as you can. Learn to ask many questions. Find out where he grew up, where she works, and how he is connected to his community. These are clues to finding out who this person really is. Be suspicious, if someone is unwilling to reveal any personal identifying information. Probe any discrepancies in their stories. If your correspondent is unwilling to answer your questions, this is another red flag. Continue with a great deal of caution.

Honesty is key to success. Talk on telephone and continue to learn more about your correspondent. A phone call can reveal a lot about a person's communication and social skills. It is worth cost of call to protect your security. But do not give out your phone number to a stranger. Trust takes time to develop. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you furnish your phone number.

Don't rush into anything. Meeting someone online and then arranging a date in a relatively short time can be dangerous. Take time to find out who this person really is. If someone is pressuring you to get together before you are ready, this is another warning sign. If anything feels strange as you get to know this person, then it is time to back away and look for another match.

If you decide to meet for a date, proceed with caution. Arrange meeting on your terms. The following is a guide to ensure that you have a safe encounter:

Before You Meet

The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics reveals more than one third of America's children are being raised by one biological parent who very often has a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend, or eventual step-parent. Statistically speaking, children raised in these settings have a forty percent greater chance of being abused than children living with both biological parents. Always scrutinize people before allowing them access to your child! If you are considering a live-in housemate of any kind, you may benefit from information available from WhoisHe.Com or WhoisShe.Com before they move in.

Conscientious and caring parents can benefit from programs that take DNA samplings, and fingerprints of their children to keep on file in case they are ever needed to help find or identify their youngster. All parents are busy parents, yet they need to MAKE time to plan ahead to safeguard children who depend on them.

One of best ways to protect children is to take regular photographs of them as they grow. This information can then be provided quickly if ever it becomes necessary to issue an "Amber alert", or any other search for a missing child.

Though we live in a very busy world we ought to train ourselves and our families to pay attention to details so they can be remembered and reported if needed. Consider events surrounding kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart who was forcibly taken from her bed in middle of night. Her sister, who slept in same room, was so terrified it took hours before she could wake her parents and tell them. Elizabeth was missing for nine months. Her little sister's traumatic experience of an intruder awakening and abducting her sister delayed her ability to realize that she could identify kidnapper. When she finally was able to recall name and description of person who took Elizabeth, entire family was horrified to learn he was someone they had innocently brought into home as a day laborer. Their compassion for a stranger cost them nine months of their beloved daughter's life.