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Online Dating Safety

The Internet can be both a blessing and potential minefield. With the advent of online dating, proximity is no longer a limiting factor, which opens daters up to a world of possible matches, as well as risk.

There are two main risks you’ll run into on the Internet: scams and dangerous people. A smaller risk, but certainly a main concern within the online dating community, is Catfishing.

Dating sites are often targets for these kinds of activities. Behind the scenes, heavy policing and vetting of profiles takes place to try and weed out potential dangers or abusers. I can’t speak for other dating sites, but on Seeking, we boot off and deny thousands of profiles every month.

Some people do manage to slip through the cracks. When in doubt, report it!

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Aside from relying on administrative discretion, there are a variety of ways to practice safe online dating, while guaranteeing a higher protection rate for yourself. A foolproof method is to become background verified and insist on dating only members who have been verified through the site.

Since 2006, Seeking has trusted TC LogiQ to provide extensive background checks to members and keep members safe. No more endless Google searches to make sure a potential date is the real deal.

What’s a background check, and why use it for online dating?

TC logiQ assists us in the process of looking up criminal records, and other verification references of an individual. We don’t live in a utopian society, and there is potential risk when dating. Background checks are a way to confirm the person on the other side of the screen is a.) real, and b.) safe to date.

I live outside of the United States, can I become verified?

Yes, background checks are available for our international users, and are checked against each respected countries’ lists and standards, such as Interpol.

What does Seeking and TC LogiQ check for?

Lesser background checks only reference the National Sex Offenders list, which keeps people registered anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

That was not enough for us. Anyone who submits to the background check will be referenced against:

  • National Sex Offenders Registry

  • Any past instances of:

    • Sexual or violent crimes

    • Domestic violence

    • Felonious and misdemeanor assaults

  • International wants and warrants.

  • In addition, TC LogiQ will run an address trace.

Note: If you have a misdemeanor from a non-violent case such as unpaid parking tickets, DUI, or reckless driving, you will not fail our background check. Everyone makes small mistakes, we get it.  We are looking for serious offenders that may pose a threat to our dating community.

What’s an address trace?

Not only does the trace allow us to verify identity, but it also helps in the criminal and offense checks by locating where a person has lived, and whether they committed an offense there.

It is also used as a cross-reference once a criminal record has been identified. Additionally, seeing where a person has lived will assist in determining the type of search that needs to be conducted.

Who has access to my information?

All information provided is confidential and remains within the secure servers of TC LogiQ.

How easy is it to become background verified?

It takes 3 simple steps!

How much is it?

It’s $25 for attractive members, and $50 for established members. This fee is separate from all monthly membership charges.

How long does it take?

Background checks can take 3 to 5 business days. In unique cases, it can take up to 14 days to complete. Don’t worry, some cases just take a bit more time.

You should receive a confirmation email once you create your TC LogiQ account, and another one when it is completed.

Once you are verified, your account will be adorned with a yellow badge.

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You can click someone’s badge to view their background check certificate.

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If you decide to date someone who has not been verified, I encourage you to perform your own sleuthing. Know who you are about to date, and be sure to have your first meeting in a public place. Never offer or agree to meet at someone’s home, and certainly do not wire money prior to meeting someone in-person, or over Skype/FaceTime (for those of you who prefer online relationships or are considering something long-distance).

Have you been verified? How did you find the process?

What are other ways to conduct your own background check?