• Tip #1: If you're not familiar with technology or unsure what to write on your profile, ask a younger friend, relative or co-worker to help you.Don't let a lack of familiarity keep you from participating in online dating.

(Consider the fake Nigerian prince email scams so many of us have received.) Listen to the experts. " says Julie Spira, a leading online dating expert, bestselling author of , and creator of profiles for singles via Cyber Dating "Dating sites (usually) take their members' safety issues very seriously and make it easy for you to report any suspicious profiles or serious problems right away.Some sites even offer the member an option to sign up for a background check." Here are her top tips: • Do a Google search for your date's name. • Use Google Voice and create a phone number exclusive to dating. • If you're uncomfortable on a date for any reason, just get up and walk out. The online daters I spoke to voiced mixed feelings about their experiences.But in the online dating world, meeting strangers can be scary and poses a whole host of challenges, among them money scams and identity theft.Here are a few safety tips you should know before you go looking for love online, with some reassurances from seasoned "virtual" daters. Wait until you actually meet the person and build up a level of trust before you share your address, phone number or real email address.