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How to vet a person online before going on an actual date

Written by Jimmy Rustling

We’ve all been there before. You meet someone online, and after a few conversations, you decide to take the plunge and go on an actual date. But how do you know if this person is actually who they say they are? How can you be sure that they’re not a catfish?

Thankfully, there are a few steps that you can take to vet someone online before going on an actual date. By doing some basic research into their background and checking for red flags, you can reduce your risk of getting scammed or hurt by someone online.

The Dangers of Catfishing

Let’s face it. At this point, you’re less likely to run into a catfish on a sugar daddy site than on a regular dating site. At least those people know what they want. Unfortunately, for those of us navigating the murky waters of “normal dating,” things aren’t as clear.

Catfishing is a relatively new phenomenon, but it’s already having a significant impact on many people’s lives. For those unaware, catfishing is when someone creates a false online identity to trick people into relationships or friendships. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including financial gain, emotional manipulation, or even simple amusement. While catfishing may seem harmless at first, it can actually have some genuine and dangerous consequences.

For starters, catfishing can lead to identity theft. If the person you’re talking to gets your personal information, they could easily use it to steal your money or your identity. Additionally, catfishing can be emotionally devastating. Many people have been tricked into thinking they were in a relationship with someone, only to find out that it was all a lie. This can lead to feelings of betrayal, loneliness, and even depression. Finally, catfishing can be used as a tool for harassment or cyberbullying. If someone doesn’t like you or wants to hurt you, they may create a fake online persona in order to stalk or threaten you.

As you can see, there are many dangers associated with catfishing. It’s important to be aware of these dangers so that you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. If you think you may be being catfished, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to help you deal with this type of situation. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you think you’re being targeted by a catfish. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are people who can help.

Here are some ways to protect yourself against catfishing and other dangers:

Facetime is Your Friend

Setting up a FaceTime call before going on a date may seem like overkill, but in the age of online dating, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Meeting someone in person for the first time can be awkward enough without having to worry about being catfished. A quick video chat will help you confirm that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are, and it will also give you a chance to get a sense of their personality before you meet them in person. Even if everything checks out, there’s no harm in getting to know someone a little bit better before you go on a date. So next time you’re swiping through your dating app of choice, consider sending a quick message asking if your match would be open to doing a FaceTime call. It could just save you from wasting your time (and emotions) on someone who’s not worth it.

Don’t Meet In Person Too Quickly

Online dating can be fraught with potential peril. One of the most important protection mechanisms is to not meet in person too quickly. It’s important to get to know someone online first and to make sure that there is a mutual connection and interest before arranging to meet in person. Taking things too fast can lead to a dangerous situation, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and get to know someone gradually before meeting them in person. By doing so, you can help ensure your safety and avoid putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

Meet in a Public Place

When meeting a date for the first time, it’s always best to meet in a public place. This helps to ensure your safety and also allows you to get to know the person a bit better in a relaxed setting. While it’s always important to be careful when meeting someone new, meeting in a public place can help to set your mind at ease. Once you feel comfortable with the person you’re meeting, you can then consider meeting in more private settings. But until you really get to know someone, it’s always best to play it safe and meet in a public place.

The dangers of catfishing and other online dating scams are well-documented, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. There are many ways to protect yourself, and it’s important to be aware of these dangers so that you can stay safe. 

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About the author

Jimmy Rustling

Born at an early age, Jimmy Rustling has found solace and comfort knowing that his humble actions have made this multiverse a better place for every man, woman and child ever known to exist. Dr. Jimmy Rustling has won many awards for excellence in writing including fourteen Peabody awards and a handful of Pulitzer Prizes. When Jimmies are not being Rustled the kind Dr. enjoys being an amazing husband to his beautiful, soulmate; Anastasia, a Russian mail order bride of almost 2 months. Dr. Rustling also spends 12-15 hours each day teaching their adopted 8-year-old Syrian refugee daughter how to read and write.