Experts urge you to be cautious in online dating

An often-repeated tip is to meet your date in a public place.

"Make sure you have your own ride home, and don't let the date pick you up," Arlington police Lt. Blake Miller said. "You don't want someone else to have control of where you go."

Southlake police Lt. Rhonda Moore recommended using reputable dating sites, which block user identities and hide e-mail addresses. A few dating sites also do background checks.

"People can be whoever they want online," Moore said. "I always recommend that women take a friend along, if they can. Your date might think it's weird, but you've got to be safe."

Moore emphasized that men can be victims, too.

"Men, when targeted, are usually targeted for scams or robberies, and that has happened in the area," Moore said.

Concerns aren't always about criminals. Some studies say that as many as 25 percent of people on Internet dating sites are married, Noble said. If daters feel comfortable, they should ask to see their date's identification, Noble said.

"It could be an awkward moment, but it would save a lot of headaches and scary moments," he said.

Online: www.saferonlinedating.org

Do's and don'ts

In your profile, avoid disclosing private information such as your name, where you live or work, and how much money you make.

If you are a single parent, don't share information about your children until after you get to know the person with whom you are communicating. Don't post photos with you and your children.

Wear clothes that aren't too revealing or suggestive for the first meeting.

Carry a cellphone, change for a pay phone, a list of contact numbers for family and friends, and cash or a credit card in case of emergency.

Meet in a public place and don't rely on your date for transportation. Valet parking is great because it's a safer, more visible place to get your car.

Keep the conversation lighthearted and fun. Steer clear of sharing information like where you live and work or weekly habits like where you buy your groceries.

If you don't enjoy your date's company or feel uncomfortable, you don't have to stay.