You should not send people you do not know information about yourself (bank accounts, phone #, address, etc). You should not send people you do not know money for bus, travel or other expenses! Unfortunately some people try to get bus tickets (take in for refund) or money so the can come and visit you only to get your money! Anyone offering you a percent of millions of dollars (due to death, military scams, etc) is a scammer (try to get their bank account and pretend you will give some money to help their cause, then give bank account # to police). Report spammers and scams HERE!

What to say and 10 safety tips for your next date:

 First emails: What to say

You need a good opening line, though — an email with a subject line that stands out in a crowded inbox, followed by a message that makes replying irresistible.

 Try these seven simple suggestions to help you get started:

1. Flirt a little

Everyone likes a compliment. Whether you say you were smitten by their smile or that you love the way they expressed themselves, you'll win instant points for your amazing good taste.

 2. Take your time

You're making first contact, not closing a business deal. Even if you're already positive  you want to meet someone, give them a chance to discover that the feeling is mutual.  Pushing too hard, too soon, is a turnoff.

 3. Start from scratch

Form letters are impersonal and easy to spot, so avoid sending the same introductory email  to everyone you want to meet. Add something special to each message: What inspired you to  write? What will he or she like about you? What's unique about you, and why should someone respond? Investing the time to personalize your message almost guarantees you a positive response.

 4. Be pozitive

Too many emails have gone unanswered because someone began them with, "I can't believe I'm  doing this" or "I'm not sure if you'll like my profile, but …." Start your conversation with  a dash of confidence and a pinch of personality. Serve it up warm and watch the responses  roll in.

 5. Be polite

If you doubt there appearance is as they say and need to see a second photo, or if you're  wondering whether there a 20-something blonde, don't chunk away your chances by being  too demanding. People deserve to be treated politely — online and off. Work your questions  into the conversation naturally (so when your suspicions turn out to be unfounded, you won't  have ruined a potential relationship).

 6. Emphasize common interests

What common interests, hobbies or attitudes did you describe in your profiles? Feel free to  mention how much more you'd enjoy rock climbing, photography, chamber music-whatever-if you  could share the experience with someone.

 7. Don't provide or request direct contact information

The anonymity of online dating gives you time to get acquainted safely before you decide to  talk on the phone or meet for lunch. Displaying a disregard for your mutual security is more  than unattractive; it's a red flag that savvy online daters will consider fair warning to  stay away from you.

The best advice, though, is simply to be yourself.

 10 safety tips for your next date

1. Start slow

Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely via  email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be  who or what he or she says. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk  away for your own safety and protection.

2. Guard your anonymity

Ensuring your true identity is protected until you decide to reveal it. Never include your  last name, private email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other  identifying information.

3. Exercise caution and common sense

Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Guard against trusting  the untrustworthy; suitors must earn your trust gradually, through consistently honorable,  forthright behavior. Take all the time you need to test for a trustworthy person and pay  careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so  act accordingly. Be responsible about romance, and don’t fall in love at the click of a  mouse. Don’t become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect  yourself. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment) provide some of the most current information available about sexually  transmitted diseases and preserving your health. Even without passing fluids or showing any symptoms you can still pass some STDs. Even though we are HIV positive, we can still get mutated HIV viruses that are resistant to medications or we can even get a African strain.

 4. Request a photo

A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in  achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it’s best to view several images of someone in various  settings: casual, formal, indoor and outdoors. If all you hear are excuses about why you  can't see a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide.

 5. Chat on the phone

A phone call can reveal much about a person’s communication and social skills. Consider your  security and do not reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone number  instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from  appearing in Caller ID. Only furnish your phone number when you feel completely comfortable.

 6. Meet when YOU are ready

The beauty of meeting and relating online is that you can collect information gradually,  later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You never are  obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And even if you  decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. It’s possible  that your decision to keep the relationship at the anonymous level is based on a hunch that  you can’t logically explain. Trust yourself. Go with your instincts.

 7. Watch for red flags

Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control  you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or  any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags. You should be concerned if your  date exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation:

    x Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status,  profession, employment, etc.

    x Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy.

    x Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions.

    x Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona.

    x Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members. 

8. Meet in a safe place

When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will  return. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your  date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a  time with many people around, and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. A  familiar restaurant or coffee shop, at a time when a lot of other people will be present, is  often a fine choice. If you decide to move to another location, take your own car. When the  timing is appropriate, thank your date for getting together and say goodbye.

 9. Take extra caution outside your area

If you are flying in from another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not  disclose the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make the arrangements for you.  Rent a car at the airport and drive directly to your hotel. Call your date from the hotel or  meet at the location you have already agreed to. If the location seems inappropriate or  unsafe, go back to your hotel. Try to contact your date at that location or leave a message  on a home machine. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your  contact information. And if possible, carry a cell phone at all times.

 10. Get yourself out of a jam

Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your  best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to  call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door  and drive away. If you feel you are in danger, call the police; it’s always better to be  safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior; your safety is much  more important than one person’s opinion of you.

 While liars, cheaters and imposters certainly ply their craft on the Web, you’ll also find  them in nightclubs and offline dating services, cocktail parties or even sitting across from  you at your local café. Regardless of where you meet someone, dating is never a risk-free  activity, but a little caution will reduce your risk in matters of the heart.