How Is Tinder Running Background Checks?
Tinder has teamed up with Garbo, a nonprofit seeking to make public safety information more accessible, to run background checks on matches for a small fee. Through Garbo, a user can enter their match’s name and phone number to find criminal records and other public safety information about the person before choosing to meet them in person or keep the connection going.
Garbo will not disclose personal information like a home address or records of minor offenses like drug possession.
How You Can Run a Tinder Background Check
Tap the blue or gray shield icon in the Tinder app. This can be found in the top right corner of the matches screen or in a conversation. Then, tap Access Safety Center.
Once you are in the safety center, tap Tools on the top of the screen and select the Tinder x Garbo article to access Garbo’s website. You can also go to Garbo’s website directly at garbo.io.
The background check will cost $2.50 and a small processing fee. Garbo will prompt you to put in some information about your match, so it can search their background. For most background checks, Garbo only needs their first name and phone number to run a check. If Garbo cannot find a unique record, you may have to answer more questions about your match like what their age is.
Match Group, Tinder’s parent company, is looking to expand the Garbo Background Check feature to all of its companies, including Hinge, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and others.
What Should You Do With the Background Check Results?
After you run a background check on a match, it is up to you whether you continue getting to know them or not. You can continue connecting with them, unmatch with them, or even block them if you feel you need to.
If you find a history of violence on a match, Tinder recommends that you report their profile on the app to make it a safer place. Tinder also reccomends that you avoid meeting someone in person if they do not have a clean background check, but again, the choice is completely yours to make.
You may also want to make sure you also have the person blocked on other social media platforms if you find a history of violence after the background check is complete.
What Should You Still Look Out For in a Match?
Tinder warns that just because a background check may have clear results, does not mean a person is completely safe. There are still online dating scammers you have to avoid and other users who may not be safe. It is important to use your best judgment and stay safe, especially if you are going to meet another user in person.
A clear background check also does not mean that someone is a perfect match. It is still important to look for common interests and chemistry with a potential partner before considering a relationship with them.
Garbo Can Help You Find the Perfect Match
Using Garbo for background checks can help you use Tinder like a true pro. It can help you find high quality matches and feel safer and more confident in your connections with other users.
So get swiping and enjoy conversations with your matches knowing you have Garbo background checks to help you stay safe.
