1. Use a third party, anonymous email address. Create a third-party, anonymous email address to use exclusively for dating purposes and use this as your primary email address on MatchCrew. Do not include your real name, city of residence, or any other personally identifying information in your email address or username. Also be sure to remove any personally identifying information from the body of your emails including your email signature.

2. Never disclose your full name, personal phone numbers, or any other identifying information while emailing until you are comfortable doing so. Never post personal contact information in your profile. If a person provides his or her phone number in an email exchange after you have been matched, that doesn't mean you have to use it or disclose your own phone number.

3. Always use a current photograph of yourself and be completely truthful in your description of yourself in your profile. Misleading descriptions or photos can result in angry feelings on the part of someone you might meet online.

4. Always trust your instincts. Immediately stop corresponding if you feel unsure or threatened. If the other person can only meet or talk to you at strange hours, he or she may be keeping a secret. If you talk on the phone and a person speaks in hushed tones or ends conversations abruptly, the person may not be as single as they say they are. Don't forget to share some of those details with your matchmaker, or a friend or family member.

5. Always keep a record of your conversations. Remember to save your correspondence with other singles for future reference. MatchCrew does not retain copies of your correspondence.

6. MatchCrew does not conduct background checks on our users out of respect for each individual's privacy. It is advisable for you to do your own research on your match especially if you feel their claims are outlandish or inconsistent. For example, you could type their name or workplace into a search engine for more information.

1. Always arrange to meet in a populated, public place. Never meet in a private home (or in a hotel room) or in a remote location.

2. Tell your matchmaker, friend or family member who you are meeting, where you are leaving and what time you expect to return. Let your date know the meeting is not a secret. Contact your friend before and after the date or ask your friend to contact you at a predetermined time.

3. Do not drink excessively, as it could impair your ability to make good decisions and might put you at risk. Stick to nonalcoholic drinks when meeting someone for the first time.

4. Never leave home without your mobile phone. If you have a mobile phone, take it with you to all meetings. Most cell phones can be used to call 911 in case of an emergency. If 911 services are not available in your area, know your emergency number.

5. Never ask the other person to pick you up. Always arrange your own transportation to and from the date, even if you have to have a friend drive you or take a taxi.

6. Never leave personal belongings (purses, wallets, mobile phones) or drinks unattended. Don't risk having your personal information stolen. Don't risk having your drink tampered with. If you must leave your drink unattended to go to the restroom or for any other reason, order another when you return.

7. Don't take first dates to your home (or to go to his/her home). Always remain in public places, even if you are pressured. If you are being pressured, end the meeting and leave immediately. If you are followed to where you parked your car, stop and hail a taxi or go into another public place to use the telephone and phone a friend. Return later with your friend to retrieve your vehicle.

8. If you're meeting someone in a different city than your own, always stay in a hotel. If you can't afford to stay in a hotel, don't go. Never stay at the other person's home on your first visit. Use taxis to get to and from the airport. If the other person wants to greet you at the airport, that's fine, as it demonstrates interest. But do not get into a personal vehicle with someone who you are meeting for the first time. Arrange a public meeting location and time, then take a taxi by yourself to your hotel. Keep your hotel location private. Don't reveal exactly where you're staying. To keep from disclosing your location on caller ID, contact your date on your mobile phone en route to your rendezvous. And don't forget to let your matchmaker, or a friend know about your date, who you're meeting, where you're leaving, and when you expect to return.

9. Strictly follow all of these tips on subsequent meetings, until you feel completely

1. Proceed with caution if someone pledges undying love after a first meeting or even after several conversations online. This person may have emotional problems or self-esteem issues that you might want to stay away from.

2. Guard your financial information and beware of solicitation. Our Terms of Use strictly prohibits the use of this service for the purpose of solicitation by singles. Please notify us immediately if another single sends you links to a pay-to-view site or includes instructions about how to call a 1-900 number. Also report invitations to join other dating sites or services, emails about modeling opportunities or attempts to sell any merchandise or service.

3. Watch out for a single that mentions that they have financial difficulties, got laid off, or was scammed out of all their money. This person might only be interested in getting their hands on your cash.