Safety Tips
DeafXYZ - Ads & Dating Tips
A lot of what is written here is common sense, but as we all know, when we put our minds to something, common sense often goes out the window, so no harm done in refreshing the mindset...
Online Adverts
When responding to any online ads, whether buying or selling, never plan to send or receive payment via normal mail. If you have to send a cheque, be sure to speak to the seller on the phone (preferably a landline) before posting the cheque.
If parting with hard cash however, wherever possible, meet the seller in a safe place, during the day, to pay for and claim your goods in person. If uneasy, take a friend with you, and don’t take more money than is required.
You should never give your bank details to anyone, even if needing to complete the transaction on the phone or online. Rather use the likes of Paypal, for example, as it is a much safer way of paying for goods online. Make sure you get a receipt for your payment too, in case you need to request a refund later (assuming the item is not sold 'as is').
If not selling face-to-face, do NOT post your items to anyone until you’ve received their FULL payment. Do not be scammed into posting goods simply on the basis of a deposit received.
Renting property
Do NOT send a deposit to anyone until you’ve seen the property for yourself. There are many scams regarding 'out-of-town' agents and landlords whereby they request a deposit in order to secure a property viewing.
There should also be no reason to share your personal details with the prospective agent or landlord (except for your name and number) until you decide you wish to apply for the property. Don’t be fooled by lavish photos of a property until you’ve seen the place for yourself. As the old saying goes, if something seems or looks too good to be true, it most probably is!
When you do find a place you like, be sure to get the keys, a contract, and receipt for your deposit and rent, before handing over or transferring the money.
Dating tips
Internet dating has become a modern and very viable way of meeting new people. Although it can, and mostly does, lead to a fun experience, be sure to keep your wits about you, as not everyone you meet online will be as 'nice' as you imagined them to be. The majority of people behind their Ads are genuine people, some will undoubtedly try to play on your emotions, ie attempt to scam you by telling you what you want to hear, then later attempt to get money from you, or even worse.
Again, if they sound too good to be true, they probably are not real. Be sure to get some 'every day' photos from them, don’t be fooled by 'model' shots alone.
If they are 'out-of-town' and start telling you they need travel tickets, or their mum is sick, their granddad died, or their dog just got cancer, etc, etc... keep your distance! After all, meeting someone new should be a fun experience, not an emotional roller-coaster.
Someone may continue to hassle you online after you've asked them to leave you alone, so be sure to report them to a moderator if this happens.
An online friendship may blossom though and you've established you wish to meet the person, but do be sure to speak to them on the phone before you arrange a meeting, preferably in a public place.
Do NOT initially meet them at their home and do not invite them to your home. Let a friend know that you are meeting someone and be sure to give your friend the phone number of the person you are meeting.
Never be embarrassed to excuse yourself and leave if something is amiss during your date. After all, rather stay safe than be sorry.
Assuming all goes well however, go with the flow, have fun, and look to the future...
In summary, although online interaction and internet dating can have its pitfalls, as with any other experience in life, don't be put off without at least trying and don't see it all in a negative light. Think practically, with your head for starters, rather than with your heart, trust your gut-feelings, interact safely online, but enjoy a life as much offline!
The DeafXYZ Team