there are minimal risks associated with merely exchanging emails with someone you've met on this board as long as you use a email provider that doesn't include your IP address as part of the email as discussed here:

http://www.glgarden.org/safemail/

with the possible exception of someone sending you illegal pictures - so be cautious about downloading any files that are sent to you. And in my experience the advantages of getting to know each other via email are enormous; it's made a BIG difference to my life. If you go beyond email contact, then you are into far more fraught territory, and getting references from people on the admin team about more significant contact may be wise; on the other hand I have done so and benefited enormously from meetings in real life. But email - naw - you'll be fine and be a blessing to others...