WEST PALM BEACH - Jan 7 - MyMatchChecker.com allows clients to run a background check on their next date. The 2-year-old site was relaunched in Apr by Andrew Scott, a former police chief, and Robert Buchholz, a retired police captain. Prices range from $9.95 for a basic background check to $64.95 for an advanced search. Most dating sites do not screen members to make sure they are not felons, sexual predators or married. They contend that state and county databases are often incomplete, so claims of screening can give members a false sense of security. "All of the information that we acquire is in the public domain. There is no invasion of privacy," Buchholz said. Buchholz and Scott plan to expand their business by offering a subscription to the site and partnering with dating websites.
The full article was originally published at West Palm Beach, but is no longer available.
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The idating industry has shown little interest in background checks. Its a tough concept to communicate clearly, without scaring off users. 'Get your background check here' doesn't fly to well. It tends to prompt the response 'huh, I need a background check, why?.' Or, 'yikes, this site is full of people who need bg checks.' So, Honesty Online, Trufina, Background Checks, Rapsheets and others, have had little traction with the dating industry. Confirm ID on Friendfinder was one of the first programs in 2002. Not a background check per se. Just a basic id verification. Uptake was also lackluster. Even when it was included free as part of the gold membership.
Mark Brooks
OnlinePersonalsWatch
usa 212-444-1636 / uk 020-8133-1835
Posted by: Mark Brooks | Jan 11, 2011 at 03:49 PM
I'm not sure how a person would be able to obtain the background check unless they knew information beyond first name, last name, and city.
Perhaps, dating sites can advertise these external companies as options Singles can use prior to going on a date (dinner, flowers, hairdressers, etc.)
Or maybe, someone can share their background check, and then request the potential suitor do the same, as well.
Posted by: Joe | Jan 19, 2011 at 02:36 PM