I've been out of the dating scene for many years. And when I use to date you met at a bar or you met at the grocery store or other place in person. I was so excited to see that there are so many opportunities to meet people online. I jumped right in. But I probably should have done a little research before I did, because most of the people that I found tend to be scamming or trying to steal your identity. So I looked online for tips for safety and the best ones I put in this article 10 safety tips for online dating. One do your research. Everyone should know the drill. Do a simple Google search before meeting your date. That doesn't mean become a stalker. That just means make sure you have at least some idea as to who the person is before you meet with him or her. If possible, try to find pictures and see what additional information comes up about the person beyond Facebook and Instagram. To use a Google Voice number instead of your own. To take your safety a step further. Get a free Google Voice phone number. With the Google Voice app, you're able to check your calls, voicemails and messages without giving out your real number. You can also block anyone who comes across a little sketch. Keep your personal number secure and only for people you feel comfortable with three video chat your date before meeting. Today, there are so many ways to video chat with the ability to use FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, and even Facebook for video calls. It's a good idea to get a glimpse of your date before meeting him or her. This could also help to reduce the risk of being catfished. by someone claiming to be someone he or she is not for chat by phone before the first date. go old school and reach out by phone before your first date. Why is this a good idea? Talking by phone allows you to hear the other individual and to pick up uncertain verbal cues that may be hidden through instant messaging or texts. Additionally, this gives you the chance to feel out the individual better before first meeting. Five, drive yourself or take public transportation. Don't accept the invitation to carpool. Take your own vehicle or use public transportation if possible. dating app Coffee Meets Bagel also shares this tip for online dating safety since by carpooling. Your first date would find out where you live and essentially have control over where you to go. Taking your own vehicle also lowers the risk of putting yourself in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation because you will be in control over where you go. Six meet up in a public place for the first date or to avoid going somewhere private with your date. Instead, meet at a public place where there are plenty of people around like a restaurant, cafe skating rink, or another place where there's typically a good crowd. In the event that you feel uncomfortable, there will be other people around who can help. Additionally, this gives a family member or friend the opportunity to be present or in the vicinity should something go wrong. As another great tip. If you visit a bar or restaurant, let a bartender or waitress know if things aren't going right on your date through code. Some bars have secret codes, like asking for an angel shot that guests could use to notify a staff member that something's off key. Seven tell someone else the details. That brings us to the next tip. Let someone else know who your date is, where you are going. When you expect to be home and any other important details. The harmony suggests always doing this in their list of tips for a safe and successful first date. It gives you the comfort of knowing someone else knows where you're supposed to be if something goes wrong. Eight don't give out too much personal info. upfront Bumble offers this important dating safety tip. Be careful about the information you share. Don't give out places you normally visit your family members locations, your birthday and other personal information so quickly. After you and your date get to know each other a little better and feel more comfortable. Then you can share a little more about yourself. Nine carry pepper spray should things go terribly wrong on your date. It's better to be prepared than not. So consider carrying a can of pepper spray. Hopefully you won't have to use this. But like the saying goes it's better to be safe than sorry. Also, be sure that you know how to use your pepper spray should you decide to carry it 10 stay sober. One big mistake that people tend to make while meeting an online date is drinking without being mindful that their date might not have the best intentions as almost 50 million people