How to Check the Criminal Record of a New Date Online

Information may not be reliable

You may know someone’s face, name, and voice from a dating platform. But do you really know anything about that person? It’s easy to fabricate a name on Tinder or Bumble, OkCupid, or Hinge.

Some people also use fake photos. Maybe you’re being catfished with a fake photo of someone else, for example. Or, someone might be using a photo of themselves taken ten years ago.

For all of these reasons, many people check the criminal records of new dates online. It’s easier than ever to meet someone online – it’s also easier than ever to check that person’s criminal record online.

How to Check a Criminal Record

Most criminal record check websites work the same way:

Step 1) Enter the person’s first name and last name

Step 2) Enter a city or state

Step 3) Click ‘Search’

You can narrow down results by county or city if there are multiple entries. You can also scan through multiple profiles, viewing mugshots and other details until you find the person you’re looking for.

All of this information is legally accessible. Your arrest records are part of the public record. That means anyone – including an average member of the public like you – can legally access these records.

Checking a date’s criminal record can ensure you stay safe in the dating scene. In fact, not checking someone’s criminal record can be extremely risky: you never know who someone is, and people are victimized on dates every year.

Whether you’re curious, nervous, or suspicious (or all three), it’s easier than ever to check someone’s criminal record using a free criminal record check website. Use the strategy above to background check your new date and stay protected on any dating app or website.