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• Meet the person on a video chatting app and make sure they are who they say they are, if possible.

• ALWAYS meet in public. Meet for the first time in a populated, public location—never in a private or remote location (e.g. their house, or wooded trail somewhere)

• Forums is for friendship so prefer activities that don't happen late at night.

• Tell a friend. Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you're going. If you own a mobile phone, make sure you have it with you.

• Stay sober. Do not do anything that would impair your judgment and cause you to make a decision you could regret.

• Drive yourself to and from the first meeting. Just in case things don't work out, you need to be in control of your own ride—even if you take a taxi.

• Don't leave personal items unattended. You don't want to risk having personal information stolen. If you're drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can't be tampered with.

• Stay in a public place. NEVER go back to your friend's home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If there's any pressure, make up an excuse and leave at once.

• Use the “3 or 4 rule”. Set up first meeting, with a group of people.