Dating apps are a great way to meet new people, but they also come with risks. You never know who you are really talking to or if they are telling the truth about themselves. This makes background-checking matches critical to avoiding unpleasant experiences.
But how do you do that? What can you use to verify a dating app match's identity? Here are some ways to do that...
1. Use a Search Engine
This is the simplest and most obvious way to learn more about someone. Just type their name, location, and any other details you have into a search engine and see what comes up. You might find their social media profiles, work history, education, or even news articles about them.
2. Reverse Image Search Their Photos
Sometimes, people use fake or stolen photos to create fake profiles on dating apps. To check if that's the case with a match, you can use reverse image search tools like TinEye or Google Images. Take a screenshot of their photo and upload it to see where else it appears on the web.
If you find the same photo on multiple profiles with different names or find it on stock photo websites, you might be dealing with a catfish.
3. Check Their Social Media Accounts
Another way to learn more about someone is to check their social media accounts. Most people have at least one account on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn. You can search for them by name, email, phone number, or username. Look for clues that confirm their name, age, location, occupation, hobbies, and interests.
Also, pay attention to their posts, comments, likes, and followers. Are they consistent with what they told you? How long has the account been active? Do they have any mutual friends or connections?
4. Ask for Their Phone Number
If you feel comfortable enough, you can ask for their phone number and call or text them. This can help you confirm they are who they say they are, and also give you a chance to hear their voice and have a more personal conversation.
You can also use a reverse phone lookup service like Spokeo or Whitepages to find out more information about their number, such as their name, carrier, and criminal records.
5. Use a Background Check Service
If you want to find out even more about your match, you can use background check sites like TruthFinder or BeenVerified. These sites can provide you with a comprehensive report on someone's personal and professional history, including their full name, age, and more; for a fee.
Be careful not to rely solely on these tools or make assumptions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Some people might have common names that are shared by many others. Some people might also have expunged or sealed records that are not available on these websites.
Background check tools are meant to help you verify someone's identity and safety, not to stalk them or cross their boundaries. Please respect people's privacy and don't use these tools for malicious purposes.
6. Use a Video Call App
One of the best ways to confirm someone's identity and appearance is to use a video call app like Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. This way, you can see them live and hear their voice, which can help you determine if they are who they say they are.
You can also use this opportunity to have a more personal conversation with them and see if you have a good connection and chemistry.
Protecting Yourself on Dating Apps
Background-checking matches on a dating app is not only smart, but also necessary in today's online dating world. By using these methods to background check someone on a dating app, you can protect yourself from scammers, catfishes, and other potential dangers.