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Online Dating Magazine Issues Sexual Predator Warning to Single Parents

(July 21, 2007) Online Dating Magazine, a consumer watchdog publication for online daters, has issued a warning to single parents about sex offenders who use online dating services.

“There are some sexual predators and sex offenders who specifically use online dating services to target single parents in order to get to their kids,” says Joe Tracy, Publisher of Online Dating Magazine. “It doesn’t happen a lot, but it does happen.”

The warning comes after a convicted child molester was caught emailing a supposed mother of two kids on an online dating service, during a sting set up by Parents for Megan’s Law.

Parents for Megan’s Law, a child advocacy group, received anonymous emails about the convicted sex offender using Match.com in New York. As a result, the group set up a fake profile of a mother of two boys and emailed the sex offender, Michael Bradley. Bradley responded, breaking his court order not to seek romantic relationships online. As a result his computer was confiscated and he faces the possibility of having his parole revoked.

“It is the responsibility of consumers to protect their safety and that of their families, so do not rely on the assurances of dating sites that attempt to screen out predators,” said Dr. James Houran, spokesperson and feature columnist for Online Dating Magazine.

According to Dr. Houran, “the best protection is to use your head in matters of the heart. Do not get so caught up in the excitement of online dating that you are not constantly alert – instead assume everyone online is a potential predator.”

Online Dating Magazine recommends the following tips that parents should follow when using an online dating service:

1) Never post photos of your children in your profile or anywhere online.

2) Don’t talk about your children in your profile.

3) Don’t mention what gender your children are.

4) If you’re dating someone, wait several months – until you are more serious – before introducing your date to your children.

5) Run a background and sex offender check on the person you’re dating before introducing them to your children.

While online dating is generally a safe way to meet people, Online Dating Magazine recommends that online daters take a cautious approach to online dating.

About Online Dating Magazine
Online Dating Magazine is a consumer watchdog publication for online daters. Located at http://www.onlinedatingmagazine.com, the online publication contains more than 1,000 pages of original content, including daily tips and advice for online daters.

Note to Media
To arrange an interview with Dr. James Houran or Joe Tracy on this subject, please call 503-315-2466 (media inquiries only, please) or email jtracy@onlinedatingmagazine.com.