¦ Meet for the first time in a public place.

And let someone know where you are going. Officer Rachel McGuire with the Boston Police Department suggests bringing someone with you. “Remember ‘stranger danger’ from when you were young,’’ she said.

¦ Use social media. We’re in an age where everyone has left some sort of mark on the Internet. Look up candidates on social media to get a feel for who they are and to put a face with the name. There are also many groups on Facebook where you can search for roommates.

¦ If you are a student, check out resources at your school. Some colleges and universities use private Facebook groups, while others provide a search tool you can use only if you have a university-affiliated e-mail.

¦ Try searching through people you know and trust.It’s reassuring if you meet a potential roommate through someone you already know, someone who can vouch for that person.

¦ Ask questions before you sign or pay anything. You really want to make sure that you and your prospective roommate will get along. Ask about cleanliness and visitors, among other topics.

¦ Protect yourself against scams. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for apartments at below-market prices, those you’re not allowed to see before you sign the lease, and people who ask for money upfront, especially if they suggest wiring it.

­— C.V.

Corlyn Voorhees can be reached at corlyn.voorhees@globe.com.