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The rise of online dating sites and apps in the last decade has made it easier than ever to make a connection with someone new. However, it has also meant an increase in fake profiles and dating-related crimes. Several surveys have demonstrated that over half of online dating users lie on their profile about some aspect of their lives. This may seem harmless and in most cases, it probably is. However, it can be a sign of more sinister issues.
At first, it may seem a bit extreme to perform an online date background check. However, it is in a person’s best interests to be fully prepared when meeting someone new. In the end, it is essential to remember that a person you meet online is a complete stranger and you should take the necessary precautions before meeting in person.
Dangers of Online Dating
With the increase of dating websites and smartphone apps, it comes as no surprise to find out that a large percentage of the population finds their partner online. Most people report positive experiences from their engagement with online dating. However, there is still a large percentage of users who have reported negative experiences.
These unfavorable encounters include different aspects of online dating. The first and most common episode comes in the contacting stage when a person first initiates a conversation with a match. A frequent occurrence is that users are made to feel uncomfortable by another user through unwanted messages or unsolicited pictures.
Another of the unfortunate incidents that online dating has provoked is false or outdated information being used on profiles. Many men and women admit to having used an old photo to ‘sell’ themselves as thinner or younger. While others have exaggerated regarding their profession or salary to give the appearance of a more successful career. These types of lies could be perceived as harmless white lies. However, this is simply the beginning of something bigger. One of the biggest lies told on social media and dating sites is actually the relationship status of a person. This means that many people who contact others through online dating are not actually single or available.
A further danger of online dating is the rise of fake profiles that are being employed to trick individuals into handing over sensitive information or even money. This is commonly known as catfishing and referred to as romance scams. This is probably one of the biggest concerns for the online dating community and can have severe consequences.
Safety First
How can you be safe online and avoid running into any of the digital dating dangers mentioned above? The most obvious method of protecting yourself is to conduct an online date background check before going further.
The first step is to ensure you have the person’s full name. With this information, you can look up the person on a search engine. This will show you if they have other profiles online. If there is no digital presence for this individual, it is likely that the profile is not real. With just a name, however, it can be challenging to ensure you are finding information on the same person.
It can be very easy to get swept up into an online romance in no time. Between the compliments and exciting conversations, it is vital that you stay safe and make sure the person is who they say they are.
Check Up on Your Online Date
The information you can get hold of through a background check does not need to be extremely sensitive information. It can simply be used as a form of protection against predators and to avoid negative experiences from online dating.
Using a person’s name, you can take a look through social media profiles, search engines, public records, and specialist background check sites. These resources will help you to find out if a dating profile is real and if they are showing you exactly who they are. It is perfectly normal for people to want to display the best version of themselves. There is the possibility that this hunt for information will show certain information that has been omitted in your conversations. But it is for you to decide whether those details are a dealbreaker.
Basic information that can be easily found online through a standard background check includes the person’s age, whether or not they’re married, and if they have children. It can also turn up any criminal convictions or a sex offender status if available. This data is readily available online as it is public record and you should prepare yourself before taking your online date offline.
Don’t Become a Victim
It is much better to be safe than sorry. There are many horror stories of people finding out important information about a significant other too late. It can ruin the date or if things have advanced further, even your lives. It is wise to be careful of investing your time in a relationship before you have the full story. It is better to be prepared before diving headfirst.
After conducting a basic background check on your online date, you can enjoy the evening, safe in the knowledge that you are dating someone who is open. You will know they are not hiding parts of their past from you.
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This content is sponsored by Rani Arsanios.
Photo: Shutterstock
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