Before you storm ahead and attempt to secure a date through sites such as UK Net Guide, you really do need to pull back on those reigns a wee bit and take a few safety precautions. Whilst internet dating is proving to be amazingly easy and fun for many people, the industry really ought to have some health and safety warnings attached.

First and foremost, when you are creating your online profile, make sure you do not give out any sensitive personal information. At the same time, do try to be as honest as you can: if anything is proven to be a lie when you meet a new date, nothing will put a kybosh on future dates quicker.

When you are communicating with potential dates online, try to find out as much information on them as you can. Never arrange to meet anyone unless you feel 100% sure of what you are doing. However, you must remember that by arranging to meet a date, you will never be 100% secure.

With this in mind, it is important that you arrange to meet the date in a very public area, with plenty of people around you for potential protection. Take your phone with you and make sure it is fully-charged.

If the date is keen to meet you in a more private setting, dissuade them from this and explain that you would not feel completely comfortable with this. If they fail to understand, move on to another potential date - they really cannot be worth it.