Background Check for Cupid
In this day and age, when everything is digital and social life is confined to Facebook, we let internet play the role of cupid. Online dating websites help us find the right partner, with so many success stories to boost. Last year, 40 million Americans have spent almost $ 1 billion on online dating services, in the hopes of meeting that special someone. One in six couples that got married in the past three years, met on a dating site.
It is wonderful to know that so many people have found true love this way, but it comes with its own risks lurking amidst all the love. If you look closely, you will find that there have been many incidents that have led innocent people into dangerous situations, involving users who have lied about their true intentions.
In keeping with many such incidents, the Illinois State Senate passed a legislation, in March, which required all online dating sites
- To mention if they performed criminal background checks on their members. A background check would involve the usage of various government databases such as criminal records and sex offender registries.
- To report any suspicious users and also display that background checks are not completely foolproof and provide safety tips.
- To pay a fine of $50,000 per violation.
Three of the nation’s most popular dating sites-Match.com, eHarmony and Sparks Networks (operator of JDate and ChristianMingle and other sites)- have already agreed to conduct background checks on their users. What do you think these sites should be on the lookout for? The obvious ones are of course any criminal records including that of sexual assault, identity theft and violence. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry, it is advisable to be diligent in choosing a safe online dating service, which offers background checks.