Making online dating a safer match

Springfield, Mass. (WWLP) - Several states are working to pass laws to keep predators away from dating sites and making looking for love online safer.

Jessica and Daryl's relationship blossomed on Facebook.

"Apparently she took my first and last name down and she was on Facebook and friend requested me. I said ‘hey’ to her and I guess we just clicked," said Daryl Spivey of Indian Orchard.

But the couple, who has been together now for a year and a half, went to school together so the online match wasn't completely random and neither said they would use a site made specifically for dating.

Spivey said, “I wouldn't go on those because I wouldn't know who those people are, but because I've seen here in class it was like normal."

Jessica Notueria of Ludlow said, “I like to know the person before I start talking to them."

Many 22News Facebook fans said they've had success with online dating, but there are risks.

Sex offenders have been caught using matchmaking sites to find victims.

That's why lawmakers in several states including Connecticut want to make online dates for aware of the potential pitfalls.

The Connecticut bill requires sites to offer advice to users, such as never include your last name, email address, place of work, phone numbers or any other identifying information on an internet profile.

But no matter how much information a person provides you don't always know who you're talking
to.

Alegra Goncalves told 22News, “I don't personally think it's very safe because you can easily say you are someone you're not."

Sites like Match.com and Myspace are taking steps to screen its users against the national sex offender registry.