Online Dating Service Users Flocking to People Search Web Sites to Avoid Becoming Victims of Fraud

The amount of online dating subscribers utilizing people search web sites to verify the identity of their online dates has increased significantly since 2004. The most common searches purchased by members of online dating services like eHarmony.com, Cupid.com and Match.com include background checks, marriage and divorce searches and criminal history checks.

According to Rick Tufington, Senior Editor of People Search News, the reason for the increase in usage of services from people search sites is an increased awareness of fraud and safety concerns. "While looking for love online, the last thing you want is to end up meeting someone who is married or who has a criminal history. Therefore, you need to check out your date's past and not just take their word for it," Tufington states.

An increasing concern of the online dating community is whether the "match" that they have found is already married. "Though online dating services make it easy to meet new people, these same services also provide easy and discreet access to extramarital affairs," Tufington states.

Results from the People Search News study showed that the most common people search tool purchased by online dating service subscribers was a background check. "Background checks are great because they typically include a wide range of information that can give you insight into your date's past," Tufington adds. Most background checks include a person's marital and criminal history, age and alias information, lists of possible relatives, and even the names and addresses of neighbors.

People Search News advises online dating service subscribers to investigate a potential date's past before meeting him or her in person. "Most online dating services do not run any sort of people search or background check on their members. Therefore, it is up to you to protect yourself from criminals, adulterers and liars," adds Tufington.

People Search News

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