I have been using the FREE version of Bearshare to share music/video
Files and social network as I prefer not giving my credit card details over
The net (which is required for the Pro upgrade) I realised shortly after I
Joined that members also use it as a medium for dating/social networking.

There is a fair amount of 'sex messaging' & the odd attempt at the old
'Honey trap' tactic but all are fairly obvious(The avatar, normally of a
Semi-naked lady, is a bit of a give away) The 'sex messager' may ask
In the first instance, if you would like to see them nude on their web cam
For free and then ask u 4 your credit card details(they say this is just to
Verify your age. Haha) Pretty obviously chancy, I'd advise anyone to
Avoid replying if not sure.

You may, on the odd occasion, be targeted by a 'fake friend-honey
Trapper'. Fraudsters, often in the guise of a lady/man in some distress
Who may state they are heirs to a small fortune in diamonds or the likes
Of and need your help to gain access to it. You are the person to help
Them get at it but 1st they will just need is a few thousand quid off you
To set it all up.
They will often spend a great deal of time trying to prime & soften
You up before they attempt luring you into divulging personal details,
It's usually pretty obvious it's a scam, especially when a question might
Be something like 'do you have a criminal record' or 'What is your mums
Maiden name'! They may try to gain compassion by telling you they
Are deaf or something else to get you to drop your guard.
The grammar is usualy poor and they may initialy use auto-text
Response software as their first contact with you then converse manually
Later when they have got your interest.

As a rule you should avoid giving out your personal details to anyone
On the internet unless you are sure they are 'legit'.
Another option is to create a profile from a 'personal identity generator':
The generator can supply you with D. O. B, Email & home address,
Job title, NI number etc -for more details on this see
(http://www.jacoballred.com/my-sites/false-identity-generator/)

I use Bearshare quite regularly, it has plenty of users and it is great for
Sharing music, chatting or socialising with people from across the globe.
I have had few problems with the FREE version.

You simply need to employ a little common sense & vigilance. :)