By Jessica Walker

I’ve become very familiar with the acronym RSA over the past couple days.  RSA stands for Rivest, Shamir and Adleman, the three MIT researches responsible for describing it in 1978.  According to Wikipedia, RSA is an algorithm for public-key cryptography.  It is the first algorithm known to be suitable for signing as well as encryption, and was one of the first great advances in public key cryptography. RSA is widely used in electronic commerce protocols, and is believed to be secure given sufficiently long keys and the use of up-to-date implementations.

RSA is also the Security Division of EMC, which is a world leader that designs, builds and manages secure information infrastructures.

So why have I suddenly gone “geek” on you?  Well, I stumbled upon an article, “The evolution of online identity and trust,” written by Scott Charney, corporate VP, Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft and wanted to share as much as I could on the topic of online security.

Mr. Charney was recently a keynote speaker at the 2010 RSA Conference that ended on March 5th in San Francisco, CA.  The RSA Conference attracts top security professionals from around the world to collaborate on IT security.

In his presentation, Mr. Charney discussed creating a safer, more trusted Internet and he touched upon identity security with a focus on authenticity and anonymity.  Mr. Charney and the folks at Microsoft have a vision of working with the public, private, social and economic sectors to create a kind of digital identification card that can be used much like we use a passport or a driver’s license.  Mr. Charney envisions the online user registering for this digital identification card in-person at a government office.  This card would allow a web user to interact online without having to pass along private information which in turn lets the user remain anonymous when needed.  It’s like flashing your driver’s license to a bouncer when entering a night club.  The bouncer only needs to verify that your face matches your photo and they will probably scan the card to prove it’s authentic.  The bouncer doesn’t store your address, birthday, height or eye color for later use nor do they require you to answer security questions before entering such as what is your mother’s maiden name or what was the name of your first pet?  The bouncer knows that the DMV has reviewed your birth certificate and social security card prior to issuing your driver’s license.

This is very exciting news, especially for the online dating industry.  The whole premise behind the SaferDates.com site is to try to ensure authenticity while maintaining a degree of anonymity.  We are thrilled to hear that the security industry is working diligently to develop digital identification technology.

Now how does all this tie into our site and your member profile in particular?  Well, this is very good lead into a service that we have woven into our member profiles and it’s called ReputationShare.

You’ve probably already noticed the ReputationShare box located at the bottom of your Personal Details section.  ReputationShare is just another tool that we offer to help you take control of your safety.

When I interviewed Linda Criddle, ReputationShare President, last year she had this to say about her product, “It helps identify and manage rogue users because, like credit bureaus, ReputationShare literally shares people’s online reputations across participating sites.  If someone has been abusing other Dating sites or their members, Safer Dates can see that information even as the person is registering and take appropriate steps. Unlike credit bureaus, the ReputationShare service does not receive or store any information about who the user is. Users stay entirely anonymous, but both positive and negative behaviors associated with their email alias are collected.  Second, it gives users the ability to make more informed choices about who they choose to interact with.”

I contacted Linda again to see what she thought about Mr. Charney’s article on authenticity and anonymity and this is what she had to say, “Partial anonymity isn’t about a need to know, it is about a user’s choice to share information to achieve greater trust. In an online dating scenario this could be manifest when a potential date wants others to know that they have a track record of decent behavior. In this case the potential date does not need to know anything about WHO you are, they just need to know HOW you behave. ReputationShare is a great example of a system that ensures anonymity of identity, and personal privacy, while providing solid information about a reputation.”  To read Linda’s blog click here.

Safer Dates believes abusive behavior in the cyber world can sometimes cross over into the physical world and we feel the ReputationShare tool will empower you to manage your own safety more effectively.

To learn more about ReputationShare please visit http://www.reputationshare.com/.

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

- Jessica

Relationship Status

By Jessica Walker

As I was researching for this post, I was surprised at how important the “Relationship Status” has become on Facebook.  I honestly had no idea how critical this click was for a lot of people.  I guess I am confused because I primarily use Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family only.  It does not seem like a dating destination.  Besides, your close friends and family members should know your relationship status already and if they don’t then I would question why they are even on your connections or contacts list in the first place.

Now from a safety standpoint, I would avoid posting the following status options:

•    Single
•    Widowed
•    It’s Complicated
•    Swinger (MySpace option only)

Choosing any one of these status options is like throwing chum into the cyberland sea.  You may attract friendly fish but you’re also inviting predators as well.  Criminals swimming around lurking to feed on emotional carnage will be drawn to the Single status, It’s Complicated status and especially the Widowed status.  As for the Swinger status, that sounds to me like an invitation for a sketchy couple looking to rob you blind while the other keeps you occupied if you know what I mean.  If that’s your thing, please “tread” lightly.

My advice is focus your online dating interaction towards the sites that specialize in just dating and turn off your relationship status on sites like Facebook and MySpace.  If you’re worried about a missed opportunity, don’t sweat it!  If someone wants to know your status they can always send you a message through your profile page.  Which in turn gives you the opportunity to check them out before replying.

For those already in a relationship, I would also avoid the Relationship Status.  In my research, I read far too many stories of public humiliation due to someone changing their status before they had “the talk” with their partner or the bombardment of questions from concerned contacts once they noticed your status changed back to Single.  Check out this article where an ex-partner was harassed through Facebook to the point that a defamation suit was filed.

If your partner gets concerned because you’re not posting your status just simply tell them you are concerned with promoting too much of your personal life online.  I’m sure in this day and age they will understand.

Relationships are complicated enough.  So why layer in another element that could potentially cause you grief.  Let’s throw out the chum bucket and grab a good old fishing pole or two and cast our lines out into the online dating cyberland sea and score our next catch the safer way.

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

- Jessica

Explore Your Way Through a First Date

By Jessica Walker

If you’re still thinking about what to do for Valentine’s Day than maybe I can help.  How about planning a casual afternoon of exploration in your home town.  Acting like a tourist on a date is a great way to break the ice, check out places you’ve always wanted to see while offering a memorable experience.

The typical dinner and a movie setting on a first or second date can be a bit intimidating and awkward.  This time around try taking the pressure off and enjoy an adventure through an unknown part of town.  There are a lot of alternatives to dinner and a movie, such as museums and aquariums or for our members that live in the Tampa Bay area try heading over to the Manatee Viewing Center located in Apollo Beach.

This particular destination is safe because it’s a public place and the best part is its FREE.  I spent Sunday morning at the Manatee viewing center and had a blast.  There were a hundred manatee just a stones throw away from the observation decks.  I even witnessed young sharks and sting rays showing off by sporadically jumping out the water and spinning through the air before splashing back in.  A setting like this offers something interesting to talk about and gives you a chance to be yourself and really get to know that other person.

For those of you that live outside of Tampa, FL hopefully this idea will get you to think outside the box and find an adventurous dating destination in your neck of the woods.  It’s easy!  Just pick your favorite search engine and use key words like attractions, tourism and sightseeing coupled with your city and state; hit enter and start planning your Valentine’s Day exploration!

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

Jessica

By Jessica Walker

January is usually the time of year when everyone starts to reevaluate their eating and exercise habits.  So I wanted to share a personal tip that I hope helps you during this year’s reassessment.  First I need to disclose that I am not a personal trainer nor am I a nutritionist; I am just an average person that has found something that works for me and hopefully it will work for you too. And since nutrition and fitness are hobbies of mine, I wanted to share the little knowledge that I have gained over the years in hopes to either inspire or provoke some life changing action.

Of all the nutrition and dieting books that I have read, and there is a stack of them, only two books have stuck with me.  They are Eat Right for Your Type and Cook Right for Your Type.  These books promote a permanent change in eating habit vs. a temporary diet plan.  What I have struggled with through the other nutrition/diet books are they offer temporary solutions and not everyone can follow the set diet or eating plan.

After reading the Type books, I now understand why only certain groups of people benefit from one nutrition plan over another.  The Type books focus on the only thing that separates us humans from each other and it is not race or sex, it’s our blood types.

The Type books, for me, make the most sense from a scientific and anthropological standpoint.  The books explain the evolution of blood types - how, why and where they came about, what foods our ancestors ate and they very simply break down the chemical process by which your body identifies certain foods depending on your blood type.  The books identify what foods act as healing, neutral and harming to your body.  When I first read through the list of harmful foods I noticed that I naturally disliked most of them and naturally loved the foods that are healing.  Plus the list opened my eyes to many foods and recipes that I never considered before and now eat and use on a weekly basis.

I have been eating for my blood type for a couple years now and I can attest that it has truly changed my life for the better. I suffer from psoriasis and have noticed an improvement since adopting this eating style.  It has also changed the way I shop. A shopping tip that I gained from using this life plan is that I mostly shop in the perimeter of the grocery store.

Let’s look at what’s in the perimeter and examples of what I buy.  See if you can guess my blood type.

Frozen Section: Here you’ll find frozen fruits and vegetables, which the majority of the diet books advise using because they offer the most nutritional bang for your buck.  Frozen fruits can be used in smoothies or protein shakes.  Frozen veggies are great for soups and taking to work for a quick addition to your lunch.  Another awesome find in this section is Ezekiel bread. This bread is found in the frozen section because it’s made with certified organically grown live grains.  Its wheat free, gluten free and yeast free.  Its high in fiber, protein packed and is also a low glycemic food, which is diabetic friendly.  I use the multi-grain flavor for all my sandwiches and cinnamon raisin is excellent for breakfast or a snack.  You just pop the slices in the toaster to warm them up and voila!

Chilled Section: Organic low-fat milk and organic yogurt are my picks here.  I do splurge on heavy whipping cream which I use in my morning coffee.  It is so yummy!

Meat Section: Here I buy the meats that are for my blood type which are lamb, lean red meat, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mussels and shrimp.  Time saving tip: If your store has a meat/fish counter ask them to steam and season your mussels so they are ready to eat as soon as you get home.  I usually do this on the days that I just don’t feel like cooking.

Produce Section: The fruits and veggies that I buy weekly that benefit my blood type are plums, pears, Granny Smith apples, bananas, mango, pineapples, watermelon, green beans, sweet potatoes, collard greens, onions, leeks, zucchini and squash. My grocery store also stocks cheese and chilled juices here, so I usually pick up sharp cheddar cheese slices, goat cheese and pineapple juice.

The items I pick up within the aisles besides paper goods and cleaning products are salted almonds, prunes, vegetable juice, olive oil, herbs and spices, cream of rice, honey, black eyed peas and brown rice.

For those of you that hate to read these types of books, remember that you only have to read the section on your blood type once you get past the introduction chapters, so you don’t have to read the entire book.  I know that made me happy!

Remember staying healthy, strong and confident is attractive to other singles and unappealing to an attacker.

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

- Jessica

My fairy tale adventure though BeautifulPeople.com!

By Jessica Walker

I hope you all enjoyed the fairy tale beginning to this two part article.  I had a lot of fun writing it.  Although, I hope you read into the sarcasm that was dripping from each sentence.

And now for the million dollar question… “Mirror, Mirror on the wall is Jessica beautiful at all?”  You’ll have to read to the end to find out.

If you are wondering, yes I did in fact register with BeautifulPeople.com.  I can attest that this site definitely caters to “looks” as the profile information is minimal and your admission is based on the opposite sex rating your profile image over a 48 hour time frame.

On your profile they offer the following sections to complete about yourself that the other members can access:

Name: Appears next to your profile image

Profile Description: Text box to offer anything on yourself

Profile Information: Date of birth, country, home address, cell phone number and private homepage

Occupation: Education, job title and job description

Profile details: Car owner, smoker, hair color, eye color, Weight in lbs., Height in feet, body type (slim, average, athletic, muscular etc…)

Interested in: Check a box for love, fun and flirts, social networking, business networking, invitations to parties and events.

In order to get a favorable rating you need to really market yourself through the chat rooms, add friends to your profile and of course rate the other profiles.  The site to me is more of a social networking platform and less of a match making destination. There are no matching filters or tests for personality/compatibility.  This site also seems to cater to heterosexuals only since the members of the opposite sex determine who stays and who goes.

From a safety standpoint I am fine with this site.  You have the option to offer very minimal personal information, which I advise. I would refrain from completing the majority of the Profile Information as it gives away your birthday, home address and cell number.  They offer many ways to communicate with someone without having to give out your cell number or personal email address.  Beautiful People does not offer background checks but that’s what we are here for, right!

I personally do not have a problem with this site.  I believe they have every right to do what they are doing.  Relationships are initially based on looks and if that is their niche then they should strive to be the best at it.  Our niche is safety and we have dedicated our business to being the best at that.  Besides, you don’t have to join their site if you are offended.  There are plenty of other dating sites available, but if that is your preference then perfect there is a site that caters to you.

As a marketing professional, I LOVE options.  Options are empowering to me.  You could say I find beauty in choice.  It’s wonderful to be able to pick and choose whether I want to offer my support for a particular company.   Now it’s up to you to make the choice and that’s the BEAUTY I like to advocate.

Now to answer the million dollar question… I did not make the cut, even with a few favorable ratings.

So I turned to the mirror one last time, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who decides beauty after all?”

The mirror replied, “Now you ask the right question my dear.  It’s not the cyberland men that’s clear.  You must not search for it far and wide, it is everywhere, right here and outside.  It’s blowing through the trees, and soaring up in the sky, it’s laughing out loud and even in a cry.  It’s seen through the eyes, felt with the hands and heard like a melody dancing across the lands.  My sweet child without further ado, there’s nothing more to review, the answer is plain and simple it’s YOU.”

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

Jessica

My fairy tale adventure through BeautifulPeople.com.

By Jessica Walker

Once upon a time, in a cyberland far, far away there was a simple girl named Jessica Walker sitting in dismay.  She found herself in a dating slump, wondering if her looks were the reason why she was attracting so many chumps.  So she sat in front of her mirror one day to assay, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, am I beautiful at all?”  The mirror replied, “Only the people of cyberland will tell, you’ll have to register with BeautifulPeople.com to see if you fair well.”

Jessica had never heard of this place, could there be such a showcase; she only knew her mirror would not lead her into disgrace.

Excited for her new journey Jessica wondered on her way, learning all she could before putting herself out there on display.  As she read more and more she began to understand, that new members are only added if their image is in demand.  The suitors of the opposite sex are in control of this site, they rate new members on a scale from one to ten before they are deemed alright.

After reading this Jessica began to wonder, “Could this site really be the end-all to this question I ponder.”  She decided to take a chance and completed a profile, picking an image that seemed worthwhile.

With fingers crossed she hit submit then waited and watched for the suitors to permit. Wishing and hoping for a seven, eight, nine or ten, anything that would show her beauty among men.

Jessica then asked the mirror before going to sleep that night, “Do you see me fairing well among the suitors on this site?”  The mirror replied, “48 hours will surely tell, for the suitors have this time to dwell.  But sleep well tonight my dear as I am sure your beauty will appear, for it’s now in the hand of cyberland so there is truly nothing to fear.”

Stay tuned this week to see how this fairy tale ends; will Jessica find her beauty among the cyberland men?

By Jessica Walker

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and have started off the New Year on the right track.  If you’re struggling to find goals to focus on this year then let me introduce you to a friend that can help.  Last Tuesday night I interviewed a fantastic expert through our Blog Talk Radio Show that could help you get back on track both personally and professionally.

I encourage you all to listen to our latest broadcast, just a click away at the top of the blog, to hear some extremely useful information discussed with Ken Donaldson a professional Life Coach and Relationship Expert.  Then be sure to pick up a copy of Ken’s book, “Marry Yourself First“, to help you develop healthy relationships, inspiring careers and an overall passionate life.

I’ve asked Ken to elaborate more on one of the concepts from his book that was discussed on our show.

Here is what Ken Donaldson has to say:

Avoid Relationship Issues with Conscious Deal Makers and Deal Breakers

What do you “have to have” in your relationships? Yes, those absolute, non-negotiable essentials you must have in order for a relationship to even have a possibility of working for you? What are they? The good news is that when you settle for nothing less than these essentials, you’ll find your core relational needs are met. The problem, however, is that too many times in our current culture, people have become used to settling for less.

This outcome, as I see it, goes back to the fact that most people don’t know what they really want in a relationship. Yes, they may have a vague or general idea, but they don’t take the time to really get both clear and specific. The flipside is that when you know what you definitely want, and aren’t willing to accept anything less, then you’re far more likely to find a relationship that will be both lasting and fulfilling.
What I’m referring to here are your deal-makers and deal-breakers. Let’s look more closely…

Your deal-makers are the non-negotiable essentials and components in your life - THE requirements you have to have. Think about what it is that you must have in all areas of your life (i.e.: relationships, friends, romances, work, finances and home). It’s worth the time and thought you put into establishing these criteria because you’ll then know the specific goals (targets) and parameters (gauges) to guide your life.
But let’s be specific and focus only on relationships for now. Let’s say that a healthy lifestyle is on your list of deal-maker behaviors for your life partnership.

So you meet someone who has the looks and charm of Brad Pitt, the intelligence of Albert Einstein, the spirituality of Gandhi, and the money of Bill Gates, but he drinks excessively and has no desire to do any physical exercise.

In spite of all these attractive qualities, if you’ve carefully considered and compiled your deal-maker list, you’d never get involved, because that one crucial deal-maker of yours is unmet. When you know what these essentials are, and you make sure they’re fulfilled, you’ll find yourself feeling more satisfied in your relationships (and in all areas of your life).

It’s important for you to accept nothing less than these deal-makers, because these are absolute and non-negotiable boundaries.

And then there are the deal-breakers. These are the dynamics, characteristics and components which are absolutely not acceptable. Just like the deal-makers, there is no negotiation. You absolutely, positively will not accept these into your life under any circumstances EVER!

Let’s assume smoking is a deal-breaker. You meet an otherwise awesome guy who smokes, thus creating an automatic deal-breaker. No conversation, no negotiation, no second thoughts. You stick to your absolutes because you know what you absolutely have to have and what you absolutely will not accept.

If you don’t have a clear concept of what you absolutely, positively have to have in your relationships and what you’ll never ever accept in your relationships, you’ll most likely unnecessarily and destructively settle for less than what you really want, need, desire and deserve to have.

Without understanding and practicing this one dynamic, your relationships are likely to be doomed and you’re likely to miss out on a happy and fulfilled True Life.

Take the time to reflect on this and then write down your deal-makers and deal-breakers. Share your list with people you’re closet to (your inner circle) and ask them to help hold you accountable. Stick to your list and you’ll be well on your way to an amazing relationship…and an amazing life!

Contact Ken
ken@kendonaldson.com
727.394.7325

Learn more about Ken
www.kendonaldson.com

Special Offer: Receive a 25% discount on all of Ken’s services by mentioning the Safer Dates Blog Talk Radio Show.

by: Jessica Walker

I had a wonderful opportunity on November 12th to participate in the first annual “Empowering Hearts” event dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence and abuse.  This event was extremely informative and opened my eyes to the amount of women exposed to this type of violence.  In fact, I was very surprised to learn that one in four women will be a victim of abuse during her lifetime, according to The Mary Kay Foundation.

The “Empowering Hearts” team comprised of SaferDates.com, Victoria Peasley, Mary Kay Independent Senior Sales Director, and Transitions. The event featured a domestic violence victim with an inspiring story of how she broke free from her abuser.  Victoria Peasley spoke on behalf of The Mary Kay Foundation and covered the resources and programs available to woman through their website.  Among those resources is a guide specifically for single woman called Healthy Relationships: A Guide to Dating Violence. I was so impressed with the level of dedication that Mary Kay puts forth annually to create awareness and with the amount of women’s shelters that benefit from their grants.  In 2009, The Mary Kay Foundation awarded $3 million in total grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states.

Following Victoria’s presentation, Transitions offered tips on how healthy eating can benefit your mind and body. Safer Dates with yours truly joining Rick DeAguila, our self defense expert, proceeded to demonstrate how everyday items like a water bottle and a rolled up magazine can help keep you safe. Be on the lookout for a video coming soon that will demonstrate these very techniques. Concluding the presentations was Barb Kyes, with Action Coach Pinellas, who told an empowering story about how she broke free from her abuser.

Now The Mary Kay Foundation will continue to collect donations on behalf of this event through the end of the year.  If you are interested in donating to help women in need, please submit your contribution through the Mary Kay Foundation link and make sure to reference the “Empowering Hearts” Event.

I would like to thank all of our sponsors and all those who attended our first annual “Empowering Hearts” event.  Relationships grow and strengthen when we join together to give back to our community.

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

- Jessica

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I received this story the other day and thought it was so appropriate to share on a day like today.  The author is unknown.

Enjoy!

- Jessica

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and began to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar and shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with a unanimous ”yes.”

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.”

“The golf balls are the important things, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.”

“The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.”

“The sand is everything else, the small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.”

“If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.”

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.”

“Spend time with your children.”

“Spend time with your parents.”

“Visit with grandparents.”

“Take time to get medical checkups.”

“Take your spouse out to dinner.”

“Play another 18.”

“There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.”

“Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter.”

“Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked.”

“The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.”

By Jessica Walker

On Sunday morning I overheard an interview on Fox and Friends about a cell phone application that provides instant background checks for singles.  At first I thought great idea; another tool to help our members.  I finished watching the interview, wrote down some notes and then went online to find out more.

Even though I would be promoting another company, my initial reaction was to gather as much information as possible so I could share it with our members.  After all, I am here to help keep you Safer in the City right?

But, all that positive thinking fizzled the more and more I researched the company behind the application, Intelius, and the application itself. Lets start with the company and mind you not much effort is needed to find something sketchy.

With just a quick Google search using the following words, “Intelius and scams”, I found this article in TechCrunch, from March 2009 describing a company swimming in consumer complaints and legal issues.

You’ll also find multiple sites with detailed consumer complaints.  Check out these links:

Complaints.com Consumers in control
Intelius.Pissedconsumer.com
Thesqueakywheel.com

Also, take a look at the comment trail on this article:
Topix

You’ll read that almost all of the customers complained of unauthorized monthly charges appearing on their credit or debit cards after paying for a one-time fee service on the Intelius site.  Some even complained that the searches they initially paid for weren’t accurate and could not be used.

Now let’s explore the cell phone application that Intelius has just launched in October through iPhone, Blackberry and Android. There are five searches that are available to cell phone customers once the application is downloaded and this is where it got creepy for me.  Although, I was okay with the first search called the “Sleaze Detector” which instantly checks for past criminal activity.  But then I noticed the other four searches that instantly check for the following:

Net Worth
•    Property ownership information
•    Home details (bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, tax info)
•    Assessed property value

Compatibility
•    Birth Date
•    Horoscope and astrological
information

Interests
•    Social Network Info
•    Professional Info
•    Educational background

Living Situation
•    Names and ages of relatives, associates & roommates living at search subject’s residence

Reading through these searches made me nauseous.  My initial thought was what a brilliant tool for a criminal!  With just a name, phone number or email address Intelius can tell you all this information INSTANTLY.  Now I understand that some of this stuff is available online in some way, which is another problem, but starting in October it’s easier then ever to gather it in an instant one stop shop.

Does anyone else have a problem with some stranger learning about your property ownership, assessed property value and the names and ages of relatives living in your home?  What does that have to do with dating?  You would think marital status would have been number one on their search list but it was left out.  I guess they felt learning the number of bedrooms and bathrooms was more of a priority then whether someone was married or single.

Well you’ll be happy to learn that Safer Dates takes marital status very seriously as it is included in both our Level I & II Verifications and our InvestiDate tool.

Now that we know this application is out there, here is some advice on what to do to block some of your information from being shared through this tool.  Linda Criddle, the expert in my latest interview, “What the Fraud!”, talks about contacting local government agencies to request that your housing information remain private.  Linda spent 13 years at Microsoft where she was a pioneer in online safety for mobile devices and PC’s for the MSN division. She advises that within your home town learn what is public knowledge and accessible through the internet and request that it be removed.  Also, be sure to change the settings on your social networking sites so that only “connections” or “contacts” authorized by YOU can see your profile information.

To read about what Linda Criddle thinks on this new application go to her blog at ilookbothways.com.

One last thing… the tag line for this new application is “Look up before you Hook up”.  You can say that again!

Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!

- Jessica