The internet is one of the most dangerous places to meet people because of the ability to hide behind false online profiles. People can say whatever they want so it is up to you to take the time to do your research and investigate a potential partner in order to protect yourself.

According to a poll of 2,493 women conducted by www.WomanSavers.com, 68% said they google a person’s name before dating, versus only 31% said they did not. The below 10 tips will show you some ways to reduce the risk of online dating.

1. Guard Your Identity:
Don’t use your real name on dating profiles, in chat rooms or while instant messaging. Do not post your phone number, address or anything else that may identify you. If you must give out an address, consider getting a P.O. Box.

2. Get an anonymous email account.
Some good options for free anonymous email services are gmail, yahoo, hotmail, or hushmail. Some dating websites offer free in-house email accounts so you don’t even need to give out your own email address to correspond.

3. Choose a reputable dating service.
Don’t go to a “singles” chatroom where there is no screening whatsoever. Choose a dating site with a long-term reputation like match or e-harmony. Some of these websites allow a completely anonymous technology that helps keep you safer. Some dating sites even have phone services which allow users to talk to each other without giving out their telephone numbers.

4. Take your time.
Ask a lot of questions, notice the way the person writes and pay attention. If a person is too pushy or seems to be to eager to meet you quickly, this could be cause for concern. Notice signs of irritability, anger or even people who brag about themselves too much. Ask them out their past relationships. There are two sides to every story so listen carefully when the person answers as to why their last relationship didn’t last.

5. Ask for more than one photo.
Some people may be using others photos or very outdated photos. If you are concerned the person in the photo is not who they say they are, ask them to take a quick digital shot holding that day’s newspaper.