Internet Safety: 7 Steps to Keeping Your Computer Safe on the Internet

There are many variations of online dating scams originating in Russia and Eastern Europe but they have in common a high emotional and financial cost to unsuspecting scam victims. Typically, a man comes into contact with a scammer through an online dating agency. The General Scam Pattern In the first few letters the scammer will say what a good woman she is and how hard life is in Russia.

Online dating has grown in popularity to the point where there is almost no social stigma attached to it. With an estimated 1, online dating sites in existence, however, it can be hard to sift.

After 26 year old Elena Zuban had a date follow her home and break in to her apartment, she was inspired to create the app Charm Safe , a web based SMS alert system designed to send designated people messages should the user fail to check in. Ms Zuban immigrated to Australia as a teenager and found herself using online dating websites to make friends and meet potential partners.

Charm Safe allows users to enter the details of their date or meet up, and then sends periodic text messages to check up on the user throughout the night. If the user fails to check in throughout the night, an alert is also sent to the nominated person after a certain time period lapses. At the moment, the service is only available online, but will be launching in app form next month.

Mr Tostee has since been charged with her murder and refused bail while his case has been adjourned. NSW Police have published recommendations for meeting with people from online dating websites, as they are tricky to monitor and place young people at risk. If you do decide to meet a person, always take a friend and ensure the meeting is in a public place; Consider disabling the GPS function on application settings as this lets people know where you are located; Never give out your passwords or financial details; and, If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or in danger then discontinue the meeting, contact police or in an emergency situation call Triple Zero