HobbyMatch.com offers an efficient way for you to meet others and actively
share your interests. Please remember to take steps to safeguard your own safety. HobbyMatch.com
provides a private email system that allows you to maintain anonymity while communicating with
potential matches. This system allows you to have control over when and if you choose to divulge
more personal information to potential matches. Please do not relax your safety standards just
because this is not a "romantic dating" match service.
Sometimes people are not who they say and their intentions may not be the
same as yours. Whether you meet new people in a grocery store or in an online environment,
remember that common sense is your best safety tool.
Here are a few other guidelines:
- You are In Control... Guard your anonymity
Initial contact between HobbyMatch.com members takes place through our private HobbyMatch.com
email system. Both you and potential matches can communicate without revealing your true identities.
Never include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other
identifying information in your HobbyMatch.com Profile or initial messages. Stop communicating with
anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing
it.
- Take your Time in Building the Relationship
Begin initial contacts by communicating using HobbyMatch.com private e-mail. Gather as much information
as possible and take note of any odd behavior or inconsistencies displayed by your potential match.
Trust your instincts. If something makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.
- Stay Close to Home
One of the benefits of HobbyMatch.com is that you can select potential matches who live in your
neighborhood based on Zip Code. People who live in your neighborhood will probably have friends
in common who can vouch for their character.
- Do Talk to your Potential Matches on the Phone Before you Meet
A phone call often sheds a lot of light on a person's personality, communication, and social skills.
A truly successful HobbyMatch occurs only when there is shared interests and personal compatibility.
When chatting with potential matches, 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.
- Meet when YOU are ready and in a Safe Place
Don't feel obligated to meet anyone. If you have a hunch that you can't logically explain. Go with your
instincts. This is not a romantic date -
- Bring a friend with you
- Provide your own transportation
- Meet in a public place
- Look 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 inappropriate behavior
are all red flags. You should be concerned if your new friend exhibits any of the following behavior
without providing an acceptable explanation:
- Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, marital status, profession, employment, etc.
- Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions.
- Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona
- No when to Get Out
If you are in a situation that makes you feel fearful, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation
and leave. 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.
Remember dishonest people are not exclusive to the Web environment. Always use
judgment when building a new relationship.
