Background Checks Lower Risks For Oklahoma Singles

Many singles meet their dates online--but before you go out--both men and women should do a background check.

Meeting, connecting and forming a relationship with someone has always been a challenge, but dating in the internet age is a whole new world.

All kinds of websites promise true love, there is even one for married people who want to date around. It can be tough to know who you are really dealing with.

"The better informed you are, the safer you will be," said LT George Brown, Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

You can always Google someone, but there is also the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network site. You can search every county to see if someone's been charged with a crime.

"At least if you have the information, you can match it up with what's been told to you. It's a good cross reference," Brown said.

You can also check the Oklahoma Department of Corrections website, and see if anyone has served prison time or is a registered sex offender.

It may seem extreme but people have much to protect, especially if they're getting back into the dating game after years away.

"Know there are predators out there that prey on women who have minor children, especially daughters," Brown said.

If your date as a common name, you may need the person's date of birth. It may even require asking to see their ID.

Police say you can be forthright about your request or make it fun, but they recommend you do it.

"If someone's real serious about being in a relationship, they will cooperate," Brown said.

A background check won't tell you everything, but it's a starting point.