The internet can help connect you with people from all over the world. You might make friends who share interests, find someone who has an item you want to buy, or maybe even make a sale of your own goods. Like the real world, though, not everyone’s intentions are good.

There are many cases where real life meetings of people who met online go very badly, including robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of violence.

Any time you’re thinking about meeting someone you met online, it’s strongly suggested that you meet in a public place and bring a friend. If you have to go alone, always let a friend or family member know who you are meeting, where you will be, how long it will take, and how they can contact you.