When standard ways of finding a man prove unsuccessful, many women might try the Internet. While Internet dating can be an effective way to find the perfect partner for you, it has some safety risks. Don’t let your online quest for love leave you suffering ill consequences- take caution when seeking the man of your dreams in cyberspace.

Financial Scams

Just as some financial scam artists make a fortune from email-based schemes, Internet dating sites can also lead you into the clutches of a less-than-reputable fellow. An ABC News report described unsavory individuals looking for financial gain who take advantage of lovelorn women online. This source recounted on a specific event in which a woman was promised love in return for sending her cyber-suitor the money to come see her in America. After this victim sent the funds, she never heard from her man again. Ladies- just be smart! 

Dangerous Online Daters

The Internet proves a tempting place to hide for some individuals who mean women harm. Another ABC report shared that Cat Hermansen had to pull her gun on an Internet date who attempted to rape her. Women can run into dangerous men online, just as they can encounter them at a bar. Always maintain a healthy skepticism. Regardless of what the individuals you meet online tell you, particularly when it comes time for a face-to-face meeting.

Clutches of a Married Man

Few women venture into the world of online dating hoping to land a man that is already married, but all too often this can happen. As "Psychology Today" reports, many online daters are actually married and merely hoping to score a hot fling. These individuals will commonly start up relationships and proclaim their love, hoping that their online partner in the love affair unwittingly agrees to an extramarital affair.

Online Dating Addition

Like many pleasurable things in life, online dating can prove addictive. Some individuals who begin online dating casually find that they enjoy the attention so much that they dedicate an excessive amount of time to the practice. Marie Claire reported on this phenomenon, exploring the online dating practices of a self-professed online dating addict who continued to check her profile and communicate with her digital beaus even after she had landed a real-life lover because she couldn’t bear to give up the thrill of the chase.

Staying Safe Online

Many of the dangers posed by online dating can be avoided with a little common sense and some sound Internet safety practices. If you’re considering diving into the pool of online dating, consider what you want and keep that goal in mind as you move through the dating process. If you have begun online dating and want to meet one of your partners "IRL," make sure to meet at a public place! Ask the man an assortment of questions, and re-ask them periodically. If his answers change- take a virtual walk and don’t look back. No matter how much you feel like you have found the man of your dreams, don’t send him money or do favors for him. If his intentions are pure, he won’t want you to!