Regardless of where you meet someone, dating is never a risk-free activity, but a little caution will reduce your risk in matters of the heart.

1. Start slow. Begin by communicating solely via email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. Trust your instincts. 
2. Guard your anonymity Never include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying information in your free profile or initial messages. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.
3. Exercise caution and common sense Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Guard against trusting the untrustworthy; suitors must earn your trust gradually, through consistently honorable, forthright behavior.
4. Request a photo. A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it’s best to view several images of someone in various settings: casual, formal, indoor and outdoors. 
5. Chat on the phone. Consider your security and do not reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a mobile phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing in Caller ID.
6. Meet when YOU are ready. You never are obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. Go with your instincts.
7. Watch for red flags. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags: 

·        Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.

·        Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy.

·        Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions.

·        Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona.

·        Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members.

8. Meet in a safe place. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around, and when the date is over, leave on your own as well.
9. Take extra caution outside your area If you are flying in from another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not disclose the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make the arrangements for you. 
10. Get yourself out of a jam. Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there.