Another important thing is to trust your gut. If something feels off about the person you're talking to online, like they seem too good to be true or they pressure you to do things you're not comfortable with, don't ignore those feelings. It's better to be safe than sorry. You can also do a bit of research on the person. Look them up on social media platforms if possible. But remember, not everyone is on social media, so don't rely solely on this method.
People should be really careful about sharing personal information too early. Don't give out your address, financial details or other sensitive information. Also, when meeting for the first time, choose a public place like a busy restaurant or a shopping mall. And let a friend know where you are going and who you are meeting. For example, if someone you met online asks for your bank account number in the first few conversations, just cut off contact immediately.
One way is to video chat before meeting in person. This can help confirm that the person is who they say they are. If they always make excuses not to video chat, it could be a red flag.