Are dating apps really safe?

That's what many may be wondering after the arrest of 27-year-old Danueal Drayton, who is accused of murdering a New York nurse he met on Tinder and trying to kill another woman in California. He's pleaded not guilty.

Police say Drayton used dating apps to target multiple women and may be connected to up to seven murders. 

Millions of Americans use dating apps every day to find love, so Inside Edition turned to dating expert Cher Gopman for some simple tips to protect yourself.

"I always recommend asking for their last name," Gopman said. "By having their last name, then you can use a background checker."

She pointed out that even doing a reverse image search online can help you check whether a person is who they say they are. 

Gopman also advised telling friends and family about any date so they know where you're going and who you're planning to meet. 

"Go to a public place," she added. "This way, in case anything wrong happens, there's plenty of people around you."

In a statement, Tinder said: “These heinous acts of violence are heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and loved ones and we will continue to offer any assistance we can to law enforcement with its ongoing investigation.”

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