How to Safely Vet New Online Connections

In today’s digital world, forming new connections online—whether for friendship, professional networking, or dating—has become commonplace. While the internet provides a vast array of opportunities, it also brings with it certain risks related to privacy and security.

Safely vetting new online connections is crucial to ensure that you’re communicating with genuine individuals and protecting your personal information from possible threats.

Here are some essential tips to help you try and verify new connections safely:

Cross-check profiles

When you encounter a new connection online, start by cross-checking their profiles across multiple social media platforms. Consistent information across platforms, such as names, photos, and job details, can be a good indication of an authentic profile. However, discrepancies or sparse information might be red flags that warrant further investigation. If a person only has one social media account or uses different names or pictures on various platforms, consider proceeding with caution.

Examine their digital footprint

A digital footprint includes blog posts, social media activity, comments, and other online interactions. Conduct a basic search of the person’s name and see what comes up. An authentic individual typically leaves a trail of some sort—whether it be professional mentions on LinkedIn, posts contributing to online communities, or other verifiable interactions. A lack of any digital footprint can be suspicious, especially for professionals or frequent social media users.

Look out for red flags

Be wary of profiles that have recently been created or have a minimal number of connections or followers. Scammers and fake profiles often use newly minted accounts to bypass the scrutiny and suspicion that older, established accounts might face. Furthermore, watch for requests for private information or money, which are common tactics used by fraudulent individuals.

Use reverse image searches

Reverse image searches can be valuable in verifying a person’s identity. Tools like Google Images allow you to search using a photo to see where else that image appears on the internet. If the same picture is linked to different names or profiles, there is a significant chance it might be a stolen image used to create fake accounts. This technique can help you spot impersonators or scammers before engaging more deeply.

Verify their professional history

If the person claims to have a professional background, cross-check their information on platforms like LinkedIn. Verifying their employment history and references could further help validate their identity. Genuine professionals are likely to have endorsements, consistent work history, and connections aligned with their field of work.

Engage in video calls

To add a level of authenticity to your interactions, suggest a video call. This not only helps verify the person visually but also allows you to gauge their communication style and confidence in discussing any previous claims they might have made about their life or work. Many scammers avoid video calls or find excuses to postpone them indefinitely.

Use reverse phone lookup tools

Sometimes, sharing phone numbers is a part of forming connections online. If you have a phone number and want to try and ensure it belongs to a credible source, consider using a reverse phone lookup tool, such as PeopleLooker. This tool could help provide simple and affordable access to detailed information about potential roommates, family, friends, or someone you’re dating, helping you arm yourself with knowledge before fostering deeper connections.

Ensuring your safety while forming new connections online is paramount. If you have any doubts about the individuals you are connecting with, use PeopleLooker’s reverse phone tool to gain peace of mind. Empower your interactions with verified information from PeopleLooker, ensuring you maintain safety and security in your digital relationships.