If you're worried about whether a dating site is legitimate or not, there are a few signs you can look out for.
Legitimate free sites make their money from the ads that are displayed on their pages.
It is in their interest to protect their users from lurkers and other troublemakers.
You will have the option to block messages from unwanted parties.
Some dating sites, particularly those geared towards men, have pictures of beautiful women who claim to be looking for a western husband or even just a casual fling.
If you suddenly find yourself being approached by a woman who says you're just the kind of man she's looking for, be wary.
On legitimate dating sites, your relationship will develop more naturally.
You will know you've found a good dating site when there is a range of people from a variety of different backgrounds to choose from.
The size of the site is also a good indication of its trustworthiness.
Dating sites that work usually have a large online community.
Can you find a partner on these sites? Imagine going to a singles party where thousands of people turn up.
Your chances of finding the right partner for you are much greater at a party of this size than at one where only a few dozen attend.
Not only are there many more potential dates to choose from, you don't have to go and introduce yourself to each one in turn.
When you're online, you can quickly scan the crowd.
If you see someone who looks desirable to you, you can look at their profile and get to know a little bit about them before you introduce yourself.
It is safe to use these services as long as you observe the same cautions you would observe in any situation.
You wouldn't give a stranger the keys to your house.
Similarly, don't reveal any information that could be used maliciously online.
If your date starts asking for money, just walk away.
That's not what these sites are all about.
Free online dating sites are about socializing and fun.
They are every bit as good as paid subscription sites.
They may be even better, because you get a wider range of potential partners to choose from.
The best way to find out is to try one.
They cost nothing, so what is there to lose?
Legitimate free sites make their money from the ads that are displayed on their pages.
It is in their interest to protect their users from lurkers and other troublemakers.
You will have the option to block messages from unwanted parties.
Some dating sites, particularly those geared towards men, have pictures of beautiful women who claim to be looking for a western husband or even just a casual fling.
If you suddenly find yourself being approached by a woman who says you're just the kind of man she's looking for, be wary.
On legitimate dating sites, your relationship will develop more naturally.
You will know you've found a good dating site when there is a range of people from a variety of different backgrounds to choose from.
The size of the site is also a good indication of its trustworthiness.
Dating sites that work usually have a large online community.
Can you find a partner on these sites? Imagine going to a singles party where thousands of people turn up.
Your chances of finding the right partner for you are much greater at a party of this size than at one where only a few dozen attend.
Not only are there many more potential dates to choose from, you don't have to go and introduce yourself to each one in turn.
When you're online, you can quickly scan the crowd.
If you see someone who looks desirable to you, you can look at their profile and get to know a little bit about them before you introduce yourself.
It is safe to use these services as long as you observe the same cautions you would observe in any situation.
You wouldn't give a stranger the keys to your house.
Similarly, don't reveal any information that could be used maliciously online.
If your date starts asking for money, just walk away.
That's not what these sites are all about.
Free online dating sites are about socializing and fun.
They are every bit as good as paid subscription sites.
They may be even better, because you get a wider range of potential partners to choose from.
The best way to find out is to try one.
They cost nothing, so what is there to lose?