As online dating has grown in popularity over the years, so have the number of scammers and fraudsters who lurk on the internet in search of the vulnerable and gullible. They will first steal your heart, then much more. But there are surefire ways to spot the scammers and protect yourself. Spotting the scammers. Internet dating safety. Romance scams unleashed. Protect yourself. Fraud protection.

After more than a dozen years navigating online dating in her 50s and 60s, Mary Walsh shares five essential tips—from knowing your deal breakers and vetting candidates to prioritizing safety and maintaining high standards—that helped her successfully find love and move in with her partner Vince.