We can't promise how long your relationship will last, but we can help you date safely online

We've teamed up with Get Safe Online to bring you some expert tips to help protect you from romance fraud:

• Pick a reputable dating website and don't move the conversation off the site's messaging service until you're confident the person is who they say they are.
• Get to know the person, not the profile. Ask plenty of questions - don’t rush into an online relationship.
• Check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly used phrases and the term 'dating scam' or 'romance scam' into a search engine.
• Talk to your friends and family about your dating choices. Be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them. Tell someone what you're doing, and where, before meeting an online suitor in person for the first time.
• Never send money or your bank details to someone you've met online - no matter what reason they give or how long you've been speaking to them.
• Don't overshare personal details. Revealing your full name, date of birth, home address or workplace could lead to identity theft, or even personal harm.
• Remember that some dating apps use your mobile device's location services to enable matches, but this could also compromise your personal safety.

If you become a victim of romance fraud, don't be embarrassed, report it immediately to the dating site where you met the perpetrator. Also report it to Action Fraud tel: 0300 123 2040.

Report any assaults to the police.

For comprehensive, practical, impartial advice on safe online dating, visit the online dating section of Get Safe Online.