Online dating has increased over the years in popularity.

And with more options such as Tinder, Match, Zoosk, etc., the dating scene has expanded with many people looking for love online.

A study out of Stanford University and the University of New Mexico showed almost 40 percent of couples met online.

However, finding love online can also be dangerous - as the risk of being a victim through online dating may be higher or lower based on where you live, according to a recent report .

A team compiled a list of the safest and most dangerous states for online dating by using recent stats on violent crime, cybercrime statistics, STD data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with sex education data.

The most dangerous state overall came back as Alaska followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Nevada.

While, the safest states for finding love online were led by Vermont, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, and Utah.

Online dating can be a great way to connect with new people, of course, but keep an eye out for any potential warning signs.

Experts say to tell friends when meeting up with someone you met online, arrange transportation, and meet in a public place as far as a few safety tips.

More information on the full report and study can also be found here .