Safety Tips

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive information like your home address, workplace address, financial details, or daily routine with someone you have not met in person. Take your time getting to know someone before sharing personal details.

Keep Conversations on the Platform

Stay on the eTrazos platform while getting to know someone. Bad actors often try to move conversations to text, messaging apps, or email to avoid detection.

Be Wary of Long-Distance Relationships

Be cautious if someone claims to live far away or in another country. Scammers often use distance as an excuse for why they cannot meet in person.

Never Send Money

Never send money or financial information to someone you have not met in person, no matter how compelling their story may be. This includes wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Report Suspicious Behavior

If someone asks for money, makes threats, or behaves inappropriately, report them immediately. Your reports help keep our community safe.

Meet in Public Places

Always meet for the first few dates in populated, public places. Avoid meeting at private residences, secluded areas, or unfamiliar locations.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Let a friend or family member know where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return. Consider sharing your location with a trusted contact.

Arrange Your Own Transportation

Drive yourself or use public transportation for the first few dates. Do not rely on your date for a ride, and do not share your home address.

Stay Sober

Keep a clear head by limiting alcohol consumption. Be aware of your surroundings and never leave your drink unattended.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Do not hesitate to end a date early if you feel uncomfortable. Your safety is more important than being polite.

Take Your Time

Do not rush into a relationship. Take time to get to know someone through messages and video calls before meeting in person.

Video Chat First

Before meeting in person, have a video call to verify that the person matches their profile photos and to get a better sense of who they are.

Set Boundaries

Be clear about your boundaries and respect those of others. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and consent.

Do Your Research

Consider searching for your date online before meeting. A quick search can help verify their identity and reveal any red flags.

Reverse Image Search

Check if photos are being used elsewhere to detect catfishing.

• Yandex Images – Superior to Google for finding specific individuals
• PimEyes – Face recognition engine (free search, paid for detailed sources)
• Lenso.ai – AI-powered face matching with specialized filters

Public Record Searches

Search criminal records, court cases, and background information.

Free Resources:

• JudyRecords – Free court records search
• Cyberbackgroundchecks.com – People search, addresses, relatives
• ThatsThem.com – Phone numbers, addresses, emails
• BackgroundChecks.org – State-by-state public records portal
• Search Systems – Access to 70,000+ public record databases
• NETROnline – Property and environmental records
• BlackBookOnline – Public records for all 50 states
• PACER – Official federal court documents

Premium Services:

• TruthFinder – Deep web searches, dark web monitoring
• BeenVerified – Comprehensive reports, excellent mobile apps
• Instant Checkmate – Unlimited monthly searches

Phone Number Lookup

Verify caller identity and find associated information.

• NumLookup – Free lookups with owner names, carrier, location
• Spy Dialer – 50 free lookups/day, includes voicemail access
• Truecaller – Real-time caller ID and spam blocking app
• Whitepages – Free basic lookups, premium for mobile numbers
• Facebook – Search phone numbers directly in the search bar