A new platform called Stud or Dud has launched with the stated goal of helping individuals identify potential risks associated with online dating. Developed by PeopleFinders, a company specializing in public records, the tool is designed to scan public records and social media profiles for information that could serve as "red flags" for users.
The platform can reportedly uncover details such as previous marriages, arrest records, bankruptcies, and liens. Users can initiate a search by providing a phone number, full name, or name and city of residence for their potential date. The initial search is free, with paid membership tiers starting at $5 for further access.
"Daters today have access to more information than ever, except about the person sitting across from them," Amber Higgins, CEO of PeopleFinders, stated in a press release. "Stud or Dud changes that dynamic by giving people additional context before they meet up, while leaving the ultimate judgment to the user." The platform also aims to verify if a person's public history aligns with their online dating profile.
Stud or Dud's release comes as romance scams continue to rise in the United States. According to Associated Press reports, 49,000 Americans reported losing a combined $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2025, an increase of 14 percent from the previous year. Data from AARP indicates that adults aged 50 to 64 are particularly vulnerable to these schemes. Approximately one in six adults have reported knowing someone who has lost money due to a romance scam.
Recent cases highlight the nature of these scams. In August, Daejon Love, 35, was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is accused of posing as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers as part of a scheme to defraud women met on dating apps. The criminal complaint alleges that beginning in February 2022, Love, along with accomplice Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, created fake investment opportunities. Love allegedly initiated contact through dating apps, while Chan posed as his financial advisor to gain trust and guide victims through prospective investments. Fake bank and investment accounts were reportedly used to legitimize the scheme. The pair allegedly used FaceTime calls to show falsified gains and encouraged victims to take out personal loans for investment, promising quick repayment. When victims ran out of money or asked too many questions, Love would allegedly block them. The platform is currently available only within the United States.