So you’re tired of spending lonely nights after getting drunk at the bar? Tired of waking up in an empty bed? Looking for someone to hold…that someone whom you could call your better half? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should have a look at online dating sites! Over the past couple of years, free online dating sites have flourished in all corners of the online world.

Back then, almost every online dating site is a paid service. Nowadays, however, you don’t have to shell out hard-earned cash just to be a member of one of these online dating sites. True, there are options and features that only paid members can take advantage of. But it’s still nice to be able to try out the service without spending a dime.

However, just like anything in life, there are drawbacks…setbacks that come along with these free online dating sites. Remember, in anything – may it be online or offline, you get what you pay for. It doesn’t mean that because it’s free, it’s good. You see, one of the BIGGEST disadvantages with free online dating sites is that since it’s free – ANYBODY can sign up.

Yes, that means you’re bound to encounter spammers, marketers, and other people who’re in these online dating sites for an entirely different reason. You should also expect to get unsolicited emails from these guys, which is very annoying! Not to mention you will also encounter individuals…members of the free online dating site who’s intentions are less than honest and clear.

Another massive setback in my opinion is that these online dating sites don’t impose strict control over how people will use their website. These online dating sites can easily become a den of spammers, phidophiles, and even professional escorts who solicit! Worse, you may even encounter con artists who are waiting for the perfect opportunity to take advantage of those people who are very gullible…those people who believe in everything that someone tells them. These con artists will use everything from fake pictures, profiles, etc. to lure unsuspecting victims into their trap. For these con artists, these free online dating sites are heaven to them!

So how do you safeguard yourself when you register and log in to these free online dating sites? Here’s something to keep in mind – NEVER ever give your personal information very freely. Disregard that advice and you’re bound to be a victim of identity theft and fraud. Do not give personal information like your address, Social Security Number, your driver’s license number, credit card information, financial data, and other crucial bits and pieces of info.

With that in mind, it seems that joining a paid online dating site isn’t a bad thing after all! Think about it – if you pay for the service, you’re bound to take your online dating endeavors and ventures more seriously. And you can expect people around you – the members of the online dating site to feel and do the same. Not to mention paid online dating sites impose strict rules and regulations while examining the members, their profiles, etc. more carefully than free dating sites would.

You see, it’s not unusual for a single to be a member of different online dating websites. Some may try out Match.com, Matchmaker.com and other online dating sites all at the same time. They can be a member of free and paid online dating sites. And this gives them more options! In my opinion, checking out and trying out different online dating sites – free or paid, is a must if you’re going to land on the one that works perfectly well with you and your demands and needs as a single.