If you prefer to keep your personal life private, you might want to keep your online dating activity anonymous. With a little preparation and planning, you can create an online dating profile that is completely unknown to your friends, family and colleagues.
Create a new, anonymous email address.
Most online dating websites will require an email address, and you can use a second email address to keep dating site notifications confidential. A number of email providers like Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo allow you to create a new email address for free.
Rent a Post Office Box.
Some dating websites will sell your information to third-party vendors, some of which might send you physical mail. You can ensure people at your home do not see these mailings by having them sent to a PO Box.
Get a second phone number.
Some online dating sites require a telephone number at signup. In addition, you will likely want to provide potential dates with a number for texting and calls. You can pick up an inexpensive prepaid mobile phone at many convenience stores, drug stores and chain discount stores.
Obtain a pre-paid debit card.
You can find prepaid debit cards from a variety of vendors at local convenience stores, drug stores and other outlets. These cards let you load money in cash at the point of sale, then access the funds much like a traditional debit card. Using a pre-paid debit card to pay for your online dating activity will reduce the likelihood that anyone will discover unexpected charges on your existing credit and debit accounts.
Sign up for online dating.
Visit one or more online dating sites. Complete the registration process using your new email address, PO Box and confidential phone number.
