On-Line and In-Person
Safety Tips & Advice

Meeting new people is always fun! However, just to make sure you don't find yourself in an awkward, or even unsafe, situation we would like to offer a few tips for your utmost safety and enjoyment of this site.

1. Stay SPAM free.
   Don't reveal your internet e-mail address. Corresponding through VeggieConnection's mail system is safe. Is your new friend insistent about getting your e-mail? They may be a SPAMer or attempting identify theft.
2. Stay SCAM free!
   VeggieConnection.com attracts mostly friendly vegetarians, but, sadly, a few unsavory may creep in. Be careful and use common sense! If your new found friend starts asking for money or financial information — watch out!. NEVER disclose your social security number, bank information, or other information that might lead to identity theft. Never give money to another member you've never met!
   
   Beware of these common SCAMs ...
   • Hi, I'm Mumbo Jumbo from the Ivory Coast. My daddy was assassinated and left me $20 million dollars. I don't know you but I need a God fearing sole like you to help me transfer it to a different bank account and I'll give you 20%. (Your bank account will be drained. See the FTC Site for details of this famous "Nigerian Scam".)
   • I'm Svetlana. I'm beautiful and I'm in love with you and want to marry you, even though we've never met and only exchanged two e-mails. Can you please send me $5,000 for a plane ticket?

   Save your heart and bank account. Please read SCAM Advice Page »

3. Go Slow
   Get to know someone on-line via several exchanges before you make any commitments to meet.
4. Moderation
   Don't tell your whole life's story in your first e-mail. Some people can become overwhelmed with your candor. Instead, reveal a few of the most important things to you and what you're looking for in a mate. If things go well, there will be plenty of time for more details later.
5. Don't reveal Personal Information
   Don't disclose your real name, phone number, address, or other personal information until well after you've met in person, perhaps several times, and established a trusting relationship.
6. Look at their Photos!
   A photo reveals so much about a person. If they've chosen not to display a photo at VeggieConnection.com, ask them why not! Then ask your new friend to upload a photo or two of themselves. Photos can be very revealing about a person.
7. Be Gracious
   Perhaps after your first or second correspondence, one of you feels there is no match. Be gracious! Don't express frustration or irritation to the other person. It will only reflect poorly on your character. Instead, move on. There are plenty of people in the world - and not everyone is a match for any one person.
8. Watch out for red flags!
   Does your contact raise any red flags? Trust your gut reaction. If it sounds strange, be wary. Some things to be concerned about:
• You've corresponded by e-mail a few times but certain information is inconsistent, such as where they live, their age, their occupation, or their goals.
• After corresponding, you feel there is no match whatsoever but they become overly insistent.
• Direct questions you've asked remain unanswered.
• They live far away yet are willing to meet you without getting to know you first.
9. Meet in a known public place
   If you both decide to meet, make it a well known public location. A location you know nothing about might be in a poor/dangerous neighborhood and should be avoided.