Online Dating Safety Tips

A California woman who was assaulted by a man she met on Match.com has brought a lawsuit against the Internet dating giant.
I have been teaching a safe dating seminar for quite sometime now.  I would like to share 5 tips on how to stay safe when meeting someone online, offline.
Top 5 Online Dating Safety Tips

1. Never share your home or office address with someone you're meeting online for the first time.  There used to be a time when your date would come to your house to pick you up.  With Internet dating, I strongly advise against it.
2. Always have your own transportation (Car, bus, train, a ride from a friend).  Never get into the car of someone you've just met, no matter how charming they are.
3. Always meet in a public, well-lit area like a restaurant.  Meeting in a crowded, dim-lit nightclub, bar or movie theater is not recommended.
4. After you meet your date, excuse yourself to the restroom.  Call a family member or friend, give them some basic information about your date and your location.
5. After the date, make sure your date does not follow you home.  To avoid being followed home, take a different route to go home.  If you're walking home, make sure you walk in well-lit areas or ask a trusted friend to escort you home.