Instant Online Background Check

Tips for Starting an Instant Online Dating Background Check

The first thing you want to do before meeting up with someone you met online, is to protect your safety.

It doesn't make any sense not to do a national criminal check as well as a national sex offender search.

There are several things you should be aware of to make sure you get the best criminal search possible.  Here are some suggestions as well as how to get them done:

1.  Verify that your potential date is the person they say they are.

2.  Use an online database check for the purpose of generating possible cases to research.

3.  Run additional public records searches such as: marriage and divorce records, professional licenses, as well as financial records including civil suits, small claims judgments, property ownership, tax liens, judgments, notices of default, foreclosure, bankruptcies.

4.  Use common sense and always play it safe when online dating.

Identify your Candidate

The more information you can obtain about someone, the better.  Before you actually meet someone from an online dating site, get their full name (including middle initial) and date of birth. This is the minimum amount of information you need to run a nationwide criminal search online. If you are running a female, check to see if they have a maiden name (or two) and make sure you get the spelling right.

The internet has made it easier to verify if people are who they say they are. Search your candidate's name and see if there is a trail of information that leads back to the same place.  Can you find social profiles on LinkedIn if they say they are in business? Business-oriented social sites are better than just Facebook where anyone can post information that isn't verified (although these can be used to generate more personal information for tracking purposes). You can also see what other people are saying about this individual on sites like Twitter or MySpace.

Does the person have a website? If they claim to be a professional of some kind, such as a doctor, lawyer etc., chances are they will have some kind of profile online.

A lack of information should raise a red flag for you, unless the person is so young they haven't begun a career.

Using Database Searches

When using an online database search, you should be careful that you are getting the best information available.  Databases are only as good as their original source(s), depth of coverage, method of download and consistency of updates, as well as the search logic used to retrieve stored data.

If you do a search for someone using an online database, and you have the wrong person, you've wasted your time and money. So step number one is there for a reason. But if you are reasonably sure you have the right name, a good online database can generate possible leads into cases filed that you should further research at the court where the record was filed. Some of these records can also be obtained by going to the courthouse's website. Click here for a list of where to get records over the phone.

Remember, just because you run an online database check, does NOT mean that you have all records available on someone. There is no ONE database that exists in the U.S. that contains all criminal records. Being cautious is always a good strategy.

Use Common Sense

Here are some important safety tips you should use every time you plan to meet someone new:

1. Arrange to meet your date somewhere in a very public place. Do not allow them to pick you up from your home and do not give out your home address. Drive your own car and make sure you have enough gas. If possible, date in a group for the first time.

2. Don't drink on a first date. Alcohol affects your judgment and lowers your inhibitions and that is the last thing you need when you meet a stranger.

3. Don't assume that someone is safe because they claim to be religious. In fact, don't believe anything you hear at first - being cautious is always the safest way to go.

4. Listen to your instincts and always stay alert. If something doesn't feel right, that's all you need to know ... just leave immediately.

5. Always make sure someone else knows where you're going and who you will be with. Set up a time to call and check in with that person.

6. Give out your cell phone number versus your home phone.