how to trust online dating partner

Google and Facebook I would have thought.

I'm not sure there are any. I think you need to message often as sometimes you can glean something from the way someone writes. You need to go into this with your eyes wide open as there are so many fraudsters out there. But don't be put off. Many people are shy and the internet makes it easy for them to meet others. Good luck.

I would definitely expect to have some phone conversations first.. and then meet somewhere public and also tell someone where you are so they can ring you to check all is Ok/ or give you an excuse to leave..

You could try a reverse image search on Google to see if the picture on the dating website appears elsewhere. But as for being found by an ordinary Google search or via Facebook- you would have found me through Google when I was working, but not now, and I’m not on FB.

I would definitely second pascal30's advice to let someone know where and when you are going.

If you agree to meet ask a friend to ring or text you at a certain time so if you feel you need to go you can tell your date something has cropped up and you have to leave.