How to Prove Someone Is Real Online

A couple engaged in online dating.
By knowing how to prove someone is real online,you can filter through fake profiles and potential scammers.

“It’s a match!”

Your phone beeps with a notification from a dating site you recently registered on. You’ve been matched with an attractive lady who seems to have a lot in common with you. So you say Hi, excited to see if you would hit it off.

Fast forward a few days; you’ve been exchanging messages, but she hasn’t exactly painted a clear picture of herself. Her profile picture aside, she hasn’t even shown you her face. You’ve asked her a few times, but she’s always given an excuse not to. She’s shy, she’s not photogenic, or her camera’s glitchy. Seems legit, but you can’t help but wonder if there’s something else going on.

You’re now starting to doubt her intentions. Is she really who she says she is? You don’t know, and that makes you feel uneasy. It doesn’t help that she’s been asking you about your work and what you do for a living.

You want to believe that this person is genuine because she’s absolutely gorgeous. At least in the only picture you have of her. But you also need to protect yourself. Because you know at the back of your mind, you’re probably dealing with a scammer.

10 Best Ways How to Prove Someone Is Real Online

Romance scammers use a variety of lies to steal your heart and money. And according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these lies seem to be effective. In 2022, the FTC reported that romance scams cost victims an estimated $1.3 billion, with nearly 70,000 people reported being scammed.

With the rise of online dating apps and sites, romance scams are becoming increasingly common. And it’s important to know how to ask someone to verify themselves. Here’s how to prove if someone is real online and protect yourself from potential scammers.

1. Do a reverse image search.

A reverse image search is a quick and simple way to see if the person’s photo is actually theirs. You can upload the photo to a reserve image engine, and it will search the web for other instances of the photo. If the photo pops up on other websites, it’s a positive indication that the person is using a stolen photo.

2. Check their social media profiles.

Social media profiles can be a great way to learn more about someone and verify their identity. Look for profiles that have been around for a while and have a lot of friends and followers. If the person’s social media profile seems fake or suspicious, that’s a red flag.

3. Ask them to video chat with you.

This is how to verify if someone is real online. If they refuse to video chat, they may be hiding something. It could be evidence that they have been using fake photos or even catfishing you. And if they refuse, ask them why. If their answer is vague or evasive, you should be wary.

4. Ask them to share a photo of their surroundings.

This helps you verify that they are actually in the location they claim to be in. If the photo looks like it was taken in a different location, that’s a red flag. For example, if they say they’re in Asia, but the photo looks like it was clearly taken in Europe, that’s a problem.

A man video-calling someone.
If you’re unsure how to make someone prove they are real online, ask them to have a video chat with you.
5. Let them write a short message in a specific language.

As you learn how to make someone prove they are real online, you’ll discover that switching up languages can cause a potential scammer to trip. While not always foolproof, it can help you verify that they are fluent in the language they claim to be, especially if they claim to be foreign. If they make any remarkable mistakes, that’s something to be aware of.

6. Ask them to share a screenshot of their online dating profile.

Another helpful step on how to make sure someone is real online is by asking for a screenshot of their dating profile. This can help in verifying that they are real and is the person they claim to be. If the screenshot doesn’t match the profile you’re talking to, then be cautious of this person.

7. Wait a few weeks or months before meeting them in person.

Give yourself enough time to get to know someone online before meeting them in person. Talk to them for a few weeks or even months to get to know them better and verify their identity. However, if they seem excited about not meeting you in person and show no interest in meeting you, then that’s also a red flag. It could be a sign that they are not who they say they are or that they have something to hide.

A woman looking at a man who is looking at a phone. A woman looking at a man who is looking at a phone.
8. Check their criminal record.

If you’re really concerned and want to know how to check someone’s identity online, you can check their criminal record. This can be done by searching online or by contacting the local police department. Take note that not all criminal records are public. If you’re unsure how to check someone’s criminal record, you can ask the police department about what information is available and how to access it.

9. Use a background check service.

Here’s how to verify if someone is real online in the most thorough way possible. There are a number of background check services available online. This service can provide you with information about the person’s identity, criminal history, and financial status. However, this service can be expensive. If you’re considering using this, do your research and choose a reputable company.

10. Trust your gut.

If your gut is telling you that something is wrong, then you need to listen. If someone is refusing to video chat or meet in person, or their stories don’t add up, or they ask for money or personal information, it’s best to walk away from this person. You know deep down that this is not how things are supposed to be.

A woman receiving unwanted messages online.
Know what questions scammers ask their potential victims to avoid being one.

Disadvantages of Online Dating and How to Deal With Them

Online dating has helped countless individuals find their soulmate, but there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the most common disadvantages of online dating, along with some tips on how to deal with them:

1. Lack of Success

It can be difficult to find someone who is a good match for you, especially if you are looking for something specific. There are a lot of people on dating sites and apps, so it can be hard to stand out and find someone who is interested in the same things as you. Don’t feel bad when you don’t find a match. It’s better that way than to be matched with a scammer.

2. Unwanted Messages

It’s not uncommon to receive unwanted messages from people who are not a good match for you. This can be annoying and even threatening. So, you have to be careful about who you give your personal information to, and report any inappropriate messages to the dating site or app.

3. Risk of meeting someone dangerous

There is always a risk of meeting someone dangerous when you date online. This is why you have to take precautions, such as meeting in a public place for the first time and telling a friend or family member where you are going.

4. Imposters

There are people who use online dating sites and apps to scam or catfish people. This means that they may not be who they say they are. They may be trying to get money or personal information from you. Know what questions scammers ask their potential victims. It’s crucial to be cautious about who you trust and to verify someone’s identity before you meet them in person.

Is Online Dating Worth It?

We can likely agree that online dating is not for everyone. Some people have found love through it, while others have had negative experiences. It’s essential to be aware of the risks before you start using online dating sites or apps. So, you need to learn how to prove someone is real online to ensure you’re only dealing with a real person.

For more confident online dating, make sure to deal only with legit dating sites, such as Costa-Rica-women.com. You can read testimonials from our clients who have shared their success stories about finding love through our platform.