(NewsNation) — New research shows the safest (and most dangerous) states for online dating, giving good news to those in Vermont and Maine and not-so-great news for those in Nevada and Alaska.

Dating apps like Tinder and Hinge have become the norm for meeting partners in today’s age, but the risks can be much higher than a disappointing date. Researchers looked at reports related to romance scams and fraud, registered sex offenders, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violent crime.

The safest states were Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Kentucky, where online daters were less likely to have to worry about violence, STIs or being catfished and scammed. Those in Nevada, Alaska, Georgia and Florida had the highest risks when trying to meet a partner online.

In addition to fraud, with victims being plied for cash or details that would make it possible to steal their identity, dating apps have been used by predators before. There have been multiple cases of men using online dating apps to find women to sexually assault or kill.

Accused Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann is alleged to have used Tinder to try to connect with women. Heuermann is awaiting trial for murder in the deaths of four women, all sex workers, whose remains were found along Gilgo Beach in New York.

Of course, dating apps can’t themselves be blamed for violence against women. Historically, infamous male killers like Ted Bundy have met women in bars or other situations, picking them up not to date but to commit violence against them.

And just like offline dating, apps offer options for success as well as risks, with one in four couples saying they have met through apps.

For those who are looking for love online, safety precautions include turning down requests for money, being wary of people who resist meeting in person in a public location, sharing information and setting up check-ins with a friend when meeting someone for the first time and not giving out private information like your address until after meeting.