While we would like to think that everyone that would frequent a Christian site would be honest and trustworthy, we know that there are those out there who are dishonest. We do not want to scare you away of course, but we believe that everyone should be prudent.

First, be aware of the most common scam with internet dating. After they establish some quick correspondence with you, they fall in love — nearly over night. If they say they do not live in the USA, they ask for money for a visa to fly to see you or they ask for money for a plane ticket. Or they ask for money for their sick relatives, or some other tragic event. Sometimes they say they made a business trip to Nigeria, or another similar country and need some cash to get home. Or they will tell you that their employer pays them with Money Orders and they can’t cash them in Nigeria. They will send you the Money Orders and ask you to deposit them into your bank account and then wire the money to them via Western Union. Usually they say to keep some money for your trouble. Needless to say, those Money Orders are no good, and not even worth the paper they’re printed on. There are numerous stories… but they all have the same theme: They need you to send them some money. Never, ever send money. Ever.

There are several ways to spot these scammers. Here are some things to look for…

• They are over eager to get your email address.
• They often use language such as ""Hello Dearest," and "Dear Lovely,"
• Some common occupations listed are Engineer, Importer, Financial, Doctor, Self Employed, Attorney, Oil Merchant (whatever that is), Contractor. Often the occupation has some kind of international capacity which requires them to travel the world (and get stuck in Nigeria).
• They might claim to be a doctor or engineer, yet there will be misspelled words scattered about.
• They use words like "mum" for "mom." This is normal in the U.K. and other places, but if they are claiming to be in the USA then it is a red flag.
• They often say their parent(s) died and they are an orphan. Or their wife or husband died and they are raising their children alone.
• The profile seems well written, but the mail messages have poor grammar, misspellings and often don’t match the profile. Sometimes the messages read like they have been put through a translation program. "I like your structure." is translated from Russian meaning, "Your look handsome (or pretty)."
• The profile says they are in the USA - but the first note you get says they are on "business" in Nigeria or the UK.
• They seem to fall in love with you overnight after just a couple of emails.
• We have not been able to spot the reason for this, but they often use a first name and last name for a username. Some examples: DIANE_BRIAN, SUSANDOVAN, HENRYREED, JOHNDAVID, ERICK_FREEMAN. Please note that many members do this and are not scammers. We are simply pointing out one more common theme.
• And, of course… the biggest red flag is when they ask for money.

So, how do you stay safe? Here are some suggestions.

• First: Use our mail system. Nobody can know anything about you other than what you tell them. Use our mail system until you are 100% comfortable with the other party.
• Do not give out your email address or home phone number to anyone until you, again, are 100% comfortable.
• Ask us! We have ways to check where someone is logging in from. If in doubt - ask. 
• Look for descrepencies. Do they claim to be a doctor but have trouble spelling? Do they change their story between messages?
• Never, ever, ever… send money to anyone. Did we say "never, ever" yet? Once more… Never, ever, ever send anyone any money. OK?
• Get comfortable. Take your time. A real relationship takes time. Don’t be in a hurry. Be patient. If that person is the special one they will be here tomorrow.
• Did we mention the money thing yet? Don’t send money. Ever.