How to Protect Yourself Against Cyberstalkers

Cyberspace has its crazy elements, to no one's surprise, so it's a good idea to be sure that you have taken measures to avoid them ...

Eric Gertler of the United Feature Syndicate offers these tips:

"Cyberstalking is on the rise. Today, most states -- including Washington -- have laws addressing the problem. Washington's law, passed in 2004, defines cyberstalking and classifies it as either a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. President Bush also recently signed new federal legislation against cyberstalking.

"Follow these steps to maintain your privacy as you communicate online:

- Use services with background checks. Some new dating sites perform background checks on everyone who uses them. For example, the dating site www.true.com says it will conduct a check on anyone seeking to make a connection, and claims it will prosecute anyone who misrepresents themselves on the site.

- Conduct your own background checks. If the site does not provide this service, try to learn more about someone by checking public records, such as marriage certificates, felony convictions, real-estate documents and so forth. If you are really concerned, don't continue the online relationship.

- Don't reveal your real name or other personal information in your posting. Instead, select a username, which is a unique word or phrase that may describe your personality or what you're looking for in a match. Your username should not correspond in any way to your e-mail address.

- Protect your personal information. Be cautious about revealing it until you are comfortable with the person you are e-mailing.

- Communicate carefully. When you are ready to communicate outside the security of the online-dating service, continue to be cautious. Use your cellphone to make the call, or, if you make the call from a landline, sign up with your phone company for call blocking beforehand so your number won't appear."