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The sense of anticipation you feel before a first date should be all about excitement, not anxiety. Sure, you'll be nervous about the impression you're going to make, but embarrassment is fleeting. Your safety isn't.
At TRUE, we take our members’ safety seriously. We don’t want felons or marrieds on our website, period. If you are a criminal or married, DO NOT use our website. Consider this to be fair warning: Our Member Safety team vigorously pursues individuals who misrepresent themselves on our website. We report violators to appropriate federal, state and local authorities, including parole boards. We also actively pursue prosecution of these offenders in other ways. For example, we recently filed a civil lawsuit against a convicted felon and Florida registered sex offender for misrepresenting his felony status when attempting to access TRUE’s members. This felon was prevented from communicating with TRUE’s members due to TRUE’s proactive policy that requires criminal background screenings on its communicating members in the U.S. – the only one of its kind among major online dating sites. TRUE is the only online dating company that has pursued civil prosecution of an individual for misrepresenting himself online. TRUE’s first lawsuit was filed in November 2005 and was resolved by agreement, the terms of which required the sex offender to: (1) cancel his existing memberships and refrain from using TRUE.com and other companies in the online dating and relationship industry; (2) complete a community service obligation; and (3) pay damages to TRUE.
We can't guarantee that criminals can't get on our site, but we can guarantee that they'll be sorry they did. DISREGARD THIS WARNING AT YOUR PERIL.
For a recent example of our prosecution efforts, click here. |
One of the most important steps to safer dating is preparation: Being excited and optimistic about your first date is a good thing — but you're not being a cynic if you take steps to protect yourself. We've put together a checklist of items you should always have with you on a first date.
- If you have a cell phone it could be your No. 1 item to rely on. Be sure
to program in both the number of a taxi company serving the area and
a friend who you know will be at home (preferably the same friend
to whom you gave the name and number of your date). On most cell phones, you can dial 911 even if your keypad is locked. Make sure your battery is fully charged and carry a charger in your car. If you don't have a cell phone, take a calling card or change for a pay phone and be sure to carry a list of emergency phone numbers with you.
- If the date takes an uncomfortable turn and you are concerned about your safety, never leave in your own car. You want to make sure your date doesn't follow you home or track you down through your plate numbers. Always carry extra cash in your wallet for cab fare or have a friend on stand-by to come get you.
- Carrying a pack of gum or mints can be very handy on a first date. People tend to busy themselves when they are nervous, and if you have a drink in your hand, this can mean drinking more than you should. If you feel yourself nervously lifting your glass to your mouth, have a mint or piece of gum to occupy yourself.
- If you are traveling to an area you are not fully familiar with, be sure to carry a city map in your car.
- Carry your insurance's roadside assistance card in your glove box as well. This card should include both the number to call for assistance and your policy number. Don't hesitate to call, even if you think the problem is small.
- As always, if you are traveling at night, be sure to have a flashlight.
Remember that the safest first date is a virtual date in a TRUE private chat room. Once you feel comfortable enough to meet in public, being prepared leaves you more relaxed and able to enjoy yourself. Stay alert, positive and smiling, and have a great date!
TRUE's Member Safety team is dedicated to maintaining an ethical environment for serious singles to meet. Please notify Member Safety or contact TRUE Customer Care if you suspect that a member is not complying with the member code of ethics or if you have other security concerns or questions.
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