How safe are matrimonial websites ?

Bharatmatrimony has some safety tips, some of which I am reproducing here. They are rules which apply to all online relationships:

• There is no guarantee that the profile is authentic so you need to do the checks yourself
• Involve your family
• Don’t reveal too much too soon
• Watch out for people who ask unwanted questions or are vague about their answers.
• Do not meet in private secluded places
• Do not meet alone at all until you know the person really well. If you’re meeting for the first time, try meeting in public places like coffee shop. Keep your friends or family informed before you set out
• Beware of people who ask for money
• Never discuss financial matters with someone you just met and hardly know
• Report abuse if you find a member’s conduct inappropriate

Bharatmatrimony offers the free feature of a “Matrimony Stamp” wherein your name, age, residence, education and occupation is checked. If you get this done you get priority listing in the search results. There is also something called VeriProfile, a paid service which you can avail of. It is offered by ONICRA (a credit rating organization). You can ask for other profiles to be verifed as well.

Article Source : http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/matrimonial-websites/