It shouldn't come to a surprise to you that some people lie about things, especially when they meet online. On the internet, you can pretend to be anything you want to be - young, fit, attractive, rich, smart (well, they pretend, but it's harder to fake!). Not that such people don't exist... So, how do you tell the phonies from the Real McCoys?

Unfortunately, there's no real way to tell if someone is feeding you a line of bull. In this way, it's best to have a very offbeat personality and tastes. Someone may lie and say they like moonlit walks & candlelight dinners (isn't that what we're supposed to like?), but not many would lie and say they like less typical things and more specific things, such as Snickerdoodle Cookies and the idea of taking over the world.

So, what are some things to watch for? Some things are easier to spot when you progress to the phone stage, obviously.

Do they refuse to send a picture? "I don't know how" is not a valid reason. Anyone can get a picture put on disc, or have a friend scan a pic or take a picture with a digital camera.

Do they only call at specific times, and don't want you to call? Do they get upset if you do call? Might be married, or at least involved.

Do the background noises on the phone not match their described lifestyle? If they said they don't have kids, and you hear Telletubbies in the background... no good can come of that. Either they're lying about having children -- or they actually LIKE the Teletubbies!

Do they postpone meeting face to face again and again and again? My guess... married or trying to lose weight.

Do they refuse, after a reasonable amount of time, to give out personal information, like last names & phone numbers? Married, or paranoid.

Do their facts and stats not match up with their pictures? Kinda speaks for itself, doesn't it?