Use video chat to see the real person behind the profile

Black singles and other people using online dating sites to find their perfect match should use video chat to find out what they are really getting.

This is according to one dating expert, who suggested that face-to-face technologies like webcams will help daters to wean out the good from the bad.

Javier Marti, hypnotherapist and relationship expert with HelloMrRight.com, a website offering tips and advice for singles, said: "From the women's point of view, the main timewasters that they have are the guys that are already married or in a relationship."

He advised that singles should spend less time texting or emailing at first and concentrate on seeing the actual person on screen.

People should also avoid scammers, usually based in foreign countries, according to Mr Marti, who added that video cameras will give a person an opportunity to show they are not fake.

According to dating advice site littleredrails.com, online singles should not be too quick to jump to personal email accounts.

Are you a black single and looking for love? Try online dating!