How to Verify Someone Before You Meet

Step 1: Live video call

Five to ten minutes. You're confirming the person matches the photos, not having a date. Use a platform that doesn't need your number.

Step 2: Reverse-image search

Run their profile photos through Google Lens or TinEye. If the images appear under other names, walk away.

Step 3: Consistency check

Does the job, location, age and story stay the same over several days?

Step 4: Ask for a timestamped photo

A photo holding a handwritten note with the day's date is hard to fake.

Step 5: Be fair, and careful

Don't demand their address, workplace or surname. Verification works both ways, so expect them to ask you for a video call too.