The best possible source for verification of general information about any person is his or her civil records.

Civil records are credible. With increased pressure on checking antecedents or getting the background checks conducted before employing or even engaging a professional, civil record morgues are now put to use more frequently than ever before.

What information can civil records provide? Read more…

There is a great thread over on BackGroundChatter.com about screening your romantic interests. It has become a big topic of debate amongst those of you that choose to go the route of Internet dating. I would like to know some of your opinions on the matter. Below is an article I have written that deals with some of the pitfalls of online dating.

Online dating services can be tricky. Many people get lulled into a false sense of security when they meet someone “online”. Don’t fall into that trap. Make sure you check out whatever dating service you are going to use. This can be just as important as checking out the person you are going to be dating. Look for services that offer personality profiles as well as background checks on it’s members.

When you find someone make sure that you do not reveal too much about yourself initially. Keep it on a first name or “nickname” basis only until your are satisfied that the person you are conversing with is safe. Don’t tell them what town or what street you live on. Many people provide clues as to where they live without even realizing it. Do not just meet the person on a whim. Make sure you speak to them via the phone first. Also make sure that you have their correct information.

Even if the dating service provides a background check you may want to conduct your own independently. At the very least you want to make sure they have no criminal record. You may also want to conduct a background check of their “online identity”. This consists of going to search engines and typing in their name and nickname they may use online. Many private investigators provide this service and can dig up information where the general consumer can not. It may be worth it just to know for sure. Most importantly, when your are finally going to meet your dream date. Pick a public area that is well lit and where you feel safe. You may want to bring a friend in case things don’t go as planned.

So now you have finally met Mr. or Ms. Perfect and things seem to be going great! I know I may sound like a overprotective mother here but you must remember you really still do not know this person. Initially be wary. The first few dates keep your guard up. Keep an eye on your personal belongings. Many a person has been taken in by Internet con-men to have their identity stolen or worse. If you pay for dinner with a credit card keep an eye on it and the receipts. This goes for your ID, SS Card, as well.

Ok so things aren’t going so well. What happens if for some reason the relationship goes south. Hopefully this will not happen to you but it has been known to occur. If after just a short time you find that you are not compatible with the person let them know right away. Again, this may be a good time for a public area and a friend in tow. Hopefully that will be the end of it, but if things heat up and the person will not leave you alone there are some things you can do. Currently there are laws on the books that protect you from stalking. There is a federal law along with many state and local laws. See the bottom of this article for additional anti-stalking resources. And please this is not meant to scare you off from on-line fun, but please be careful out there.

Additional Resources:
TechTV.Com
iVillage.Com

Stalking:
To obtain a guide for stalking victims, write or call the National Center for Victims of Crime2111 Wilson Blvd.Ste. 300, Arlington, VA 22201Phone: (800) FYI-CALL or (703) 276-2880Web: http://www.ncvc.org/

Websites:
Stalking Behavior, by D. T. Coon http://www.stalkingbehavior.com/
Los Angeles Co. District Attorney http://www.lovemenot.org/
AXIS Intervention & Training Institute http://www.stalkingrescue.org/
Stalking Victims’ Sanctuary, by Linden Gross http://www.stalkingvictims.com/
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse http://www.privacyrights.org/
Anti Stalking website, by Doreen Orion, MD http://www.antistalking.com/
Gavin de Becker, Inc. threat assessment & protection services http://www.gdbinc.com/
“Stalking through the Courts,” by Janet Normalvanbreucher www.gate.net/~liz/liz/FRtactic.html
The Stalking Assistance Site, Kim Kelly & Joann Ugolini http://www.stalkingassistance.com/
Working to Halt Online Abuse http://www.haltabuse.org/
Safety Ed International http://www.safetyed.org/