About 27 percent of adults in the country use dating websites signifying the slowly disappearing taboo associated with online dating. However, this doesn’t mean that you can afford to let your guard down when you register yourself on them. Unfortunately, there are several instances when the dates have been extremely bad experiences because insufficient caution was exercised.

Though most of the dating sites are safe, you still need to take precautions on your part.

Use a trustworthy dating site
There’s no dearth of dating sites on the Internet and not all of these are credible. Most online dating websites and apps ask for the individual’s location details, and if the website is fraudulent, there are high chances that you’ll be compromising your safety by divulging your personal details. So, ensure that the online dating site you are about to use is reputed, has a large database of users leaving testimonials, has a physically verifiable address, and is very popular such as OkCupid or Tinder.

Keep your personal information private
The age of the Internet has made all kinds of information easily accessible. Any potential suitor can run your name through a detailed internet search and can find your office location via LinkedIn or your address tagged in an Instagram post. They can even find your phone number linked to a Craigslist ad. Thus, you have to tread carefully to maintain your online security. It is imperative that you shouldn’t leave any identifying details on the profile such as your address or personal email id. Ensure that you set your security settings to the maximum level on all your social media accounts.

Don’t hesitate to report someone
Dating sites allow its users to report any shady activity or misbehavior of the site users. Authentic dating sites do not encourage any activity that is illegal or aggressive. So, if you experience any hostile behavior from a potential suitor, do not hesitate to report that individual. If anyone harasses or tries to extort you, you must contact the dating site’s customer service right away.

Be alert during face-to-face meetings
If you like someone you met on the online site and wish to meet them in person, make sure that you choose the location wisely. Do not meet near your office or home where the person can find you again easily. Also, do not select a secluded location to meet them. If you are not the one choosing, put your foot down if the location is undesirable for you and and end the date immediately if it is unpleasant.