But if you do not have P411, D-C, etc., or good references, then a real name is a common thing to ask for.  But not all do.  If that is something you are not comfortable with, then look for ladies who are willing to use other info--but understand they will almost always want some personal info so they can be comfortable with you.  Especially when they are well reviewed, YOU are the unknown so YOU are the risk.

Personally I would suggest joining P411 and/or D-C depending which is more used in your area.  As was stated it is not a free pass around screening, but it is one item in your screening resume and I have found it very useful.

I was fortunate and got started without giving my personal name out.  A number of ladies do know it, but none had it until after we had met several times and were comfortable with each other.  Trust is huge in this business whether people openly admit it or not, and for many that trust has to be earned.

Which doesn't tell me anything about what your behavior will be like when we're alone together, but it does help tie you more firmly to the "real world", should anything go wrong.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading over everything you can in the "Self Help Center"  linked under the little life ring up there. There's a ton of archived posts that cover this question and many others you might have. Maybe even some questions you haven't thought to ask yet.

Lots of good advice given on this thread.  I'm a noob myself but I work in tech and can tell you this.

Try not to fill out personal information on web pages and email.  These are not secured and LE can get access if they seize equipment.  There's no such thing as delete once you post information online.  Try calling instead and if she's smart she would just write down what you provide over the phone on paper and shred it at some point once she's comfortable with you.