Beyond the Face on Social Media

     ​ Social media is a worldwide tool that opens exposure to people that you would have never had access to, had it not existed.  There has been an uprising, with meeting people on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and an abundance of dating sites.  You usually communicate through chat, but outside of what they post up either about themselves or talk about, you generally don’t have any real information about them.  Conversations can become very engaging and before you know it…you are in a full blown cyber relationship!  But do you really know who you are dealing with?  I am going to share some safety tips that everyone should know before you take things beyond the face!
        Let’s just say, everything is going well and you decide to meet up, but they live in a different city.  Never go to their home on the first meet up, instead let them come to your city and stay in a hotel.  This way you are not out of your comfort zone.  Do not bring them to your house! When you feel more comfortable in knowing who they are and you also know where they live, then it’s ok.  Your home is your nest, it’s where you and your children feel safe.  What if you meet them and they are weird or not at all what you expected them to be?  You can simply go back home and act as if they never existed and feel safe.

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​      Also, you want to know exactly what they look like, because pictures can be deceiving.  Use Facetime or Skype so you know, that they at least look like what and who they are portraying to be on social media.  The last thing you need in your life is a real life “Catfish” story!  “Oh yeah that is me….15 years ago!”  Most of the time if they have a Facebook page, they will post lots of pictures!  You can conduct a thorough investigation by going through a Facebook page…it usually has a lot of information on it.   It usually has their birthday, family members, schools they might have gone to, where they work and all sorts of information.  Also, while you are Facetiming /Skyping, look at the background and their surroundings.  Are they at home, in their bedroom when you talk or always outside?  That could be an indication that they might be married, sneaking around or have something to hide.  Pay attention to all the clues!
       If they ask for money…LEAVE THEM ALONE IMMEDIATELY!  It is a scam!  There are unfortunately a lot of vultures looking for lonely prey to cash out on!  They will tell you everything you have ever wanted to hear about how beautiful/handsome you are and how they want to be with you and no one else.  Then they will tell you some sob, sad story about something disastrous that has happened in their life and they need $$$$.  Some will wait for you to offer and others will flat out ask you for money.  They will also attempt to guilt trip you by saying…” if we are going to be together…. trust me…”  Leave that alone…they have just stamped an ATM symbol on your forehead.  If their money is tied up, so is yours!

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​     Lastly, Google!  Make sure you Google their name to see what comes up.  Find out if they have any mugshots or past issues with the law and what those issues might have been.  When I move to a new area, I always check out the sex offenders list.  One time I saw people I knew and worked with on that list.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Type in key words like wife/husband, the city they live in and you would be surprised what comes up.  Don’t forget to click on images as well, to see what type of pictures are associated with that person.  I understand that there is a chance that we might actually meet our husbands and wives on social media, but always protect yourself first and be safe, when getting beyond the face!

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Author

~Christina de’Neil