Online

These tips about going online could save you problems.

Personal information

Be wary about giving out personal information to strangers online, especially addresses, phone numbers and details of when you're not at home, where you work and so on. Any personal information may be used against you for burglary or theft, including identity theft.

Pics

Always remember that some people hide behind pictures of other people (or use photos many years old) and don't tell the truth about themselves.

Think about the kind of pictures of yourself you send to someone. There's nothing to stop them forwarding it to others or posting it somewhere online. And during web cam chats someone can capture and store your image without you knowing.

Be aware of the risks in collecting or recording images of SM sex. In the hands of the police porn can be used as evidence of a crime. And UK pornography laws will soon be getting stricter when it comes to violent images. Read more about SM images and the law.