The Internet helps make dating a little bit safer by adding that buffer between you and new contacts. Still, there are a number of dating safety tips that will help ensure your time spent looking for love online is more enjoyable. Some of the steps below might seem a little excessive, and in some cases they are. We’re not here to try and scare you but it never hurts to be prepared. Other steps are less about online safety tips and more about smart dating advice. If you’re new to the singles scene then you should be prepared for what’s to come. In all likelihood you won’t encounter any bad experiences, but just in case . . .

*Never give out your full real name until you’re comfortable. It’s easy to grab a phone book or find an online directory with your address. Also, search engines have a funny knack of picking up documents that you might never think of.

*Although it may not seem fair, try and get their full name from them. Run it through Google and Yahoo and any other search engine you like to see what comes up. Putting quotation marks around the name “like this” often helps narrow the results.

*Always ask for multiple pictures and find out how recent they are. Showing up for a date and finding out you’ve been scammed is no fun and a waste of time.

*Ask them if they are single. I know this might sound funny but you might be surprised at what’s out there.

*Never use your real name in your profile. Besides, picking an alias is half the fun! Think outside the box.

*Always have phone conversations before you meet. Sometimes the way someone speaks is all you need to hear to know they aren’t someone you’d like to see face-to-face.

*If you’re at all worried about giving out your phone number, ask for theirs. You can do reverse lookups with numbers these days and find addresses simply from them so it’s always better to play it safe. Remember to block your number when you call!

*Don’t tell them where you work. Be as general as you can. They have a right to know certain details, such as what you do, but nothing more specific on location.

*Guard your local hangouts, too. If you love an after-work sundae down at Sam’s Sundae Shop, don’t go telling them unless you want to open yourself to a crazed “sundae stalker.” This also goes for places where friends and family live.

*Don’t get picked up at your place on the first date. Meet them wherever it is you’re going.

*Always meet a date in a public place. There is safety in numbers and it’s better to make sure you have the numbers working in your favor!

*Carry a cell phone with you at all times. In case something goes wrong, you have a way to reach the right people.

*Trust your gut. If you’re thinking something is a little weird, don’t risk it. There are plenty of fish in the online singles sea so drop your line in and look for someone else!

Dating safety should start the minute you sign up for an online site and not stop until you’re well into a relationship. Use these tips as a guide and you should be better prepared for what and whoever comes your way!