Instant Checkmate can help you protect yourself in online dating and marketplace transactions.
Recent data from cybersecurity company Avast shows that 50% of online daters conduct background searches on potential matches before meeting. As these figures highlight a growing need for reliable background checks to help research our online interactions, Instant Checkmate — an online platform that uses public records to perform personal background checks — has emerged as one tool to address this need.
How Does Instant Checkmate Work?
Instant Checkmate aggregates data from a wide array of sources. It can sift through criminal and traffic records, unearth marriage and divorce history info, reveal property ownership details, and even discover social media profiles that might not be immediately available from a traditional online search engine.
Online Dating
Online dating is the new normal for singles both young and old, with a 2017 Stanford University and University of New Mexico survey finding that over 40% of people in established relationships met their current partners online.
But the increase in online daters has also meant an increase in individuals misrepresenting themselves. According to Avast’s data, of the roughly half of online daters who have researched their dates, 30% either unearthed concerning information or came up empty-handed, leading them to cancel their plans.
The motivations behind these searches are diverse. A majority of searchers — 60% — simply wanted to learn more about their potential date, while half were on a mission to verify the person’s authenticity. Trust, it seems, is a commodity in the digital dating world, with 34% of searchers fact-checking information provided by their matches. Roughly a quarter were curious about their potential date’s social media presence, seeking insights into their online persona.
Instant Checkmate offers a research tool for those venturing into the world of online dating. In drawing on public information such as criminal and traffic records and marriage record history, the platform allows users to screen for potential red flags such as violent offenses, fraud convictions, or marriages their date has kept “secret” from them. However, it’s important to note that criminal records are not necessarily indicative of current behavior, and users should approach this information with nuance and context.
The platform’s ability to find basic information like age, location, and marital history can help users confirm the authenticity of their matches. This feature is particularly valuable given the growing prevalence of catfishing and identity fraud in online dating, particularly among young people.
Combating Online Marketplace Fraud
The utility of Instant Checkmate extends beyond researching dates and partners. In the Wild West of online marketplaces, where deals sometimes seem too good to be true, the platform can provide helpful context and peace of mind.
Instant Checkmate can act as a tool in the fight against online marketplace fraud. By allowing users to verify the identity and background of sellers, the platform can work to add a layer of protection to online transactions. Users can check if a seller has a criminal record history of fraud or other financial crimes, potentially saving themselves from falling victim to scams.
Property ownership records can also be useful in verifying the legitimacy of high-value items like vehicles or real estate. Cross-referencing the seller’s information with property records enables buyers to research ownership history and potentially reduce the risk of purchasing stolen or misrepresented goods.
Instant Checkmate’s ability to uncover social media profiles and online social activity can also help users gauge the credibility of sellers and identify potential red flags in their online behavior or reputation.
Public Information and Personal Background Checks
Platforms like Instant Checkmate are part of a new era of public information accessibility, but with the ability to access more data online comes a host of ethical considerations.
These tools are democratizing access to public records that were once the exclusive domain of those with the time, resources, or know-how to navigate complex bureaucratic systems. This increased transparency can promote accountability, but there remain applications that these tools can’t and shouldn’t be used for, such as employment decisions.
It’s crucial to understand that while Instant Checkmate can provide valuable information, its use for employment, tenant, or credit screening is strictly prohibited under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA requires employers to use specialized consumer reporting agencies for background checks, to assist in ensuring accuracy and giving individuals the right to dispute any findings.
The information provided by a background check should be used as a starting point for further investigation rather than a definitive judgment. Users should also be aware of the potential for bias in interpreting this data, particularly when it comes to criminal and traffic records, which can disproportionately affect certain communities.
It remains crucial to educate users on responsible use and continue monitoring and studying the societal impacts of increased information accessibility. Yet we have seen that there are tangible benefits these platforms can offer, from enhancing personal safety in the dating world to protecting consumers from marketplace fraud.
