EHarmony is one of the largest online dating websites, and although it may not be the trendiest or flashiest dating site out there, it has been around for longer than most sites, and has steadily grown and has a steady place in the market of the online dating business.

The website was founded by a psychologist and expert in relationship advice, who in his professional work determined that fate and luck were not the only ways to find a partner, but that there could be easier ways to connect people.  According to his experience, people have certain characteristics that can predict compatibility and that can lead them to longer lasting relationships. His work as a psychiatrist and researcher lead him to creating a matchmaking system that is what eHarmony is today.

Amongst the online dating industry, eHarmony has always tried to differentiate from its competitors by attracting those who are specifically looking for long-term relationships. With its subscription model, the service has been profitable since its early days, reaching over 66 million users and an approximate of 778 thousand subscribers, according to the most recent estimates.

What eHarmony.com offers, though, is not very different from other dating websites. At the end the goal is always to take the traditional matchmaking process online and to allow people to meet one another via the internet. Many of the encounters that happen in eHarmony do lead to long-term relationships, but many others result in deception and dating scams.  Most of the people using dating sites are sincere and honest in the information they provide and in their reasons for joining. However, there are exceptions, and you need to be aware of how to keep yourself – especially your savings and your personal information- protected while meeting people online.

The fact is, no matter how reputable or how large the online dating website or social media site, there is no effective way to screen users and subscribers.  No dating website is immune from fraud and romance scams.  The need for verification and investigation has never been greater.

How to stay safe?

According to international private investigation companies, the first step is to understand how dating scams work. Scammers typically create fake online profiles designed to lure you in, either using a fictional name or falsely adopting the identities of real people. The trick is not to try to outsmart the criminal, but to be cautious and look for professional help.  Experienced scammers and con-artist are very difficult to detect, so proper verification with a professional is key.

Being skeptical is essential in any online relationship. Once you determine that there is someone online that you like, getting a dating background check is a must. Taking the decision to verify if the person you have been communicating with is real or not, right at the beginning of the relationship, will avoid trouble later. Private investigations are a good investment and can help you stay safe.

If you have already been in constant contact with someone you met at eHarmony, but you didn’t consider the online dating risks before, it is important to pay attention to red flags. Dating and romance scammers will express strong emotions for you in a relatively short period of time, and usually suggest you move the relationship away from the website to a more private channel, such as phone, email or instant messaging. Once they gain the trust of their victims, even if it takes months, they will move forward with money requests or access your information and steal your identity.  Many scammers are also moving on to blackmail as the most effective way to target victims.

Pay close attention to everything your online date says and ask as many questions as you can.  Information is important when verifying and investigating. In order to conduct a background check investigation to verify the identity of a person, a private investigator will request basic information such as the name and date of birth of the subject, and other information that you might have, such as address, employment, education, passport or ID, any documents, and so on.   The more information you know about your potential partner, the more options investigators have to verify.

Remember it is worth verifying before making any important decision, especially for those searching their life partner!  If you’ve met someone online, contact us for a free quote.

C. Wright
© 2016 Wymoo International

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