Public Records : Dating can be an exciting time where you get to learn more about another person. It can be an adventure, but sometimes, that adventure can turn into a nightmare. Unfortunately, in today’s world of online dating, people don’t often know each others’ backgrounds when they date.
This article will discuss the potential dangers of online dating and why it’s important to vet your potential partner before getting serious.
The Potential Dangers of Online Dating
According to Pew Research, one in five adults aged 25-34 years old have used online dating, and one in ten adults aged 18-24 years old have used online dating.
While online dating can be a great way to meet new people, it also comes with risks. One of those risks is not knowing the background of the person you’re dating.
Criminal Records
A study found that nearly 1 in 10 Americans have been arrested. That means that for every 10 people you meet, odds are one of them has been arrested before. And if you’re meeting someone online, it’s even harder to know if they have a criminal record.
Of course, not everyone with a criminal record is a bad person. But it is important to know if your potential partner has one before getting too serious.
Catfishes
Another risk of online dating is meeting someone who isn’t who they say they are. In 2016, the FBI received 12,509 complaints related to romance scams, and people reported losing a total of $220 million.
These scams usually involve the scammer pretending to be someone they’re not, often using stolen photos and false names. They build a relationship with their victim, gain their trust, and then start asking for money.
If you’re sending money to someone that you met online, stop and ask yourself if you really know who you’re sending it to. Odds are, if you haven’t met them in person, you don’t really know them.
Secret Pasts
So maybe your date isn’t a former cat burglar or current catfish, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have secrets in their past. Everyone has something they’re not proud of, from financial problems to a checkered relationship history.
Some secrets are harmless, like a bad case of acne in high school. But others can be more serious, like a history of violence or addiction.
It’s important to remember that everyone has a past, but not everyone is comfortable sharing it. It might be a red flag if your date is unwilling to share their past with you.
Public Records Can Help
While there are risks to online dating, there are also ways to help mitigate those risks. One way is by using public records.
Public records can tell you a lot about a person. For example, you can use them to find out if someone has been arrested or has a criminal record. You can also use them to learn more about someone’s past, such as their marriage history or if they’ve been involved in any lawsuits.
Of course, public records aren’t perfect. They can be outdated, and they don’t always tell the whole story. But they can give you a starting point for learning more about someone before you get too serious.
If you’re planning on meeting someone you met online, be sure to do your research first. A little effort up front can go a long way in helping you avoid a bad experience later on.
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
In addition to using public records, there are other ways you can protect yourself when online dating.
- Meet in Public
One way is to meet in a public place for your first few dates. This can help you get to know the person better and feel more comfortable around them before you invite them into your home.
- Use Reverse Image Search
Another way is to use a reverse image search to see if the person’s photos are being used on other websites. This can help you spot a catfish, as well as verify that the person is who they say they are.
- Be Careful With Personal Info
You should also be careful about sharing personal information, such as your address or date of birth. Wait until you know someone better before you share this type of information with them.
Use Your Gut and Your Brain
Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off about the person you’re talking to, it’s probably best to move on. However, your gut isn’t always right. Sometimes, we are attracted to people that we shouldn’t be. This is why it’s also important to use your brain when making decisions about who you date. Never let your gut override sound judgment.
Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it’s important to remember that there are risks involved. By taking some simple precautions and using public records, you can help keep yourself safe.
