We all get a little lonely sometimes, even those who are married or in relationships. Online dating websites are one way to find people you are compatible with, whether you're looking for a casual tryst or long-term potential. Now there are sites like Ashley Madison or Badults that cater to a certain demographic of men and women who want a little side action without strings or complications. The good thing about websites like these is that there are fewer games; you already know what the people you meet there are looking for, and it's refreshing in its honesty.

However, there's still the potential for scams, because it's the Internet. If you want to be able to have your cake and eat it, too, without worries about spillover into your private life, here are some tips to make sure that the person you're trying to get with on or offline is who they say they are.

Profile Red Flags

Even the most discreet and secure websites can be invaded by professional scam artists, and many of them work more than one dating website. There are certain things that you can look for in a profile that are a good indication of a fraud, and there are a number of ways that you can do the detective work yourself with a few search tricks.

1. Profile pictures. Everyone likes to put their best photos up, especially if they're trying to hook up. But if the person you're talking to only has one or two photos, pictures that are too slick and professional or refuses to show any photos at all, they may be hiding something. You can do a reverse image search using search engines like Tin Eye to find out if a profile picture has been lifted from a modeling website or is being used on multiple dating websites. You simply download the extension, which works with the Chrome browser, right-click on any suspect photos, and then choose the option to 'search on Tin Eye' when the menu pops up.

2. Outside contact. We're not talking about agreeing to meet someone offline; if you're on an affair dating website, that's probably what you're looking for eventually. However, be cautious if someone you're interested in tries to make inroads on your social media platforms or into your personal life. If you're trying to be discreet, that could be asking for trouble. You also have to be concerned about those who are using such platforms to get personal information from you for financial gain.

3. Asking for money or gifts. You're certainly free to gift anyone you please, but professional scammers are in it only for financial gain. If you've had limited contact with someone, and they start telling you about financial problems, medical problems or other issues that usually translate to asking for a handout, be wary.

One particular twist on this con is someone who claims to live overseas, and who is dying to meet you if only they could afford a plane ticket or a passport. A lot of people have distance affairs, but if someone starts urging you to shell out for travel expenses after a few conversations, run.

4. Trying to get too much information, too fast. The whole point of an affair website is to have a little bit of fun on the down low. Other people on those websites are there for the same thing, and they try to keep it discreet, If someone tries to get too personal in a way that makes you uncomfortable or starts raising red flags, listen to your intuition. Less reputable affair dating websites have been infiltrated by PIs and people looking to benefit in some way from your need to keep it hush-hush.

More reputable adult dating sites are catering to a clientele of men and women who are looking for adventure. After all, variety is the spice of life, and online portals are just one way to find the company of like-minded adults from the comfort and safety of your own PC or mobile device. Who needs the bar scene, when the whole world can be your club? Reputable hookup websites screen their members to ensure the safety and confidentiality of their clients. Make sure that you review any affair website or dating site that you're considering, and read the TOS carefully before you join. Doing a little preliminary investigation and following a few guidelines will let you have your fun while keeping you from getting burned by a scammer