Navigating Internet Dating: How a Private Investigator Could Be Your Key To Something Real
In recent years, internet dating has transformed the way people meet and build relationships.
Internet dating has been around for years, but there are now more apps and websites than ever before, and most people are now turning to them before they try the old-school in-person tactics.
But, with the proliferation of these dating apps comes more opportunities for scams and falsehoods.
For those navigating the online dating scene, especially when things start to turn serious, you may find that a private investigator could be a crucial ally in helping you determine whether your dream match is everything they say they are.
Warning Signs and Potential Issues in Internet Dating
While most people using dating platforms are genuine, the anonymity of the internet can attract scammers, ‘catfishers’, and other individuals with malicious intent. Here are some common red flags to be aware of:
Inconsistent Information
People with deceitful intentions may provide contradictory or vague details about their lives. If the person you’re chatting with frequently changes their story or evades questions, it might be a sign that something is off.
Reluctance to Meet in Person or Video Call
While some people are shy or have genuine reasons for avoiding face-to-face interactions, others may be hiding behind a fake identity. Someone who avoids video calls or meeting in person after extended conversations might be concealing who they really are.
Requests for Financial Assistance
One of the most common internet dating scams involves “emergency” requests for money. Scammers may claim they need help with a medical bill, travel expenses, or even an investment opportunity. Genuine relationships are rarely formed around financial dependency, especially when you’ve never actually met.
Excessive Flattery or Rushing the Relationship
Anyone who comes on very strong, declaring love or intense affection after a short time, may be attempting to manipulate emotions. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you into commitment or shares intimate feelings before truly getting to know you.
This one is a little tougher, because some people are just a bit desperate, and so can over-commit early despite being genuine.
How a Private Investigator Can Help
Private investigators offer a range of services that can help verify the identity and intentions of someone you’ve met online. Their skills in background checks, data retrieval, and even surveillance allow them to uncover hidden information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
If you’re uncertain about the identity of someone you’re dating online, a PI can confirm whether their name, photo, and personal details are accurate. Through public records, social media activity, and various online databases, a PI can verify if the person truly is who they claim to be.
Plus, while many online dating platforms screen for criminal records, not all of them do, and some people use aliases to bypass these checks. Private investigators can perform comprehensive background checks to reveal any history of criminal activity or restraining orders, providing a layer of safety.
And if someone you’re dating online has requested money, a PI can discreetly investigate their financial history to check for bankruptcy, liens, or other signs of financial instability. This can be especially important if the relationship progresses toward long-term financial commitments.
Of course, it’s unlikely that you’re going to want to hire a PI for someone you’re chatting to casually. But once you’ve been ‘dating’ someone online for a few months or more, you might want to take some precautions before firming up anything more serious.
If you’re worried about an online partner or you think a friend or family member could be being catfished, give our team a call on 01772 334700 and we’ll see what we can do to help.