In an online dating landscape increasingly populated by fake profiles and romance scammers, a new platform called Stud or Dud is aiming to provide singles with a crucial vetting tool. Launched by public-records company PeopleFinders, the website offers free background checks on potential romantic partners, utilizing publicly available information to highlight potential red flags before a first date.
The tool allows users to search for address history, bankruptcies, and other relevant public records. Stud or Dud aims to streamline the often-arduous process of pre-date investigation, which frequently involves sifting through scattered online information and relying on social media sleuthing.
PeopleFinders CEO Amber Higgins stated that the platform was developed in response to a recurring issue: individuals being deceived by matches who misrepresented themselves, with no straightforward or trustworthy method to verify identities. "Records give you context, not certainty," Higgins told The Post. "It's less ‘trust, then verify,’ and more ‘verify, then trust.’"
Recent surveys indicate a significant prevalence of deception in online dating. According to one study, one in four Americans reported interacting with a fake profile or AI bot, while 15% reported losing money to online dating or romance scams. For men, 21% reported financial losses due to romance scams, and 10% of women reported similar experiences.
Higgins emphasized that traditional social media platforms are not designed for identity verification and can be easily manipulated. Bios, photos, and follower counts can be fabricated or borrowed, creating a false sense of legitimacy. Stud or Dud seeks to provide a more reliable method by consolidating and contextualizing official public records.
The platform also offers features like compatibility readouts and a color-coded system of red and green flags to help users interpret the information. This approach moves beyond simply trusting a polished online profile and encourages users to verify details before proceeding with a relationship.
Higgins advises daters to watch for potential warning signs such as a reluctance to engage in video calls, inconsistent personal details, or an unusually rapid progression of the relationship. A significant red flag, she noted, is any mention of financial urgency before meeting in person. "If money comes up before you’ve met in person, that’s a moment to pause, not lean in."