Internet Friends: Do You Really Know Them?

Hey social media fans! Online friendships are awesome—swapping memes, sharing passions, or sparking romance across the globe. But as a private investigator at Clear Trace Investigations, I’ve seen how easily “friends” can hide behind fake profiles. Here’s the scoop on staying safe without ditching the fun.

Case Study

Several years ago, a friend developed a romantic relationship with a man she met online.  They had great conversations and lots of online laughs. Still, things didn’t seem right. That’s when she asked me for help.  Through forensic analysis of an image the man sent her (don’t ask what was in the photo J), I found the man’s true name embedded in the photograph’s metadata and used Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to find his address and other information including his wife’s name. The things that “didn’t seem right” ended up being wrong and I was able to provide her with proof that her instincts couldn’t.

The Risks of Online Friends

From casual chats to deep connections, the internet can mask true identities. Catfishing isn’t just fake photos—it can lead to emotional manipulation or worse. Romance scams alone cost Americans over $1 billion last year, per the FBI, stealing hearts and wallets. Even platonic pals might exploit personal info for identity theft or scams.

Stay Safe with These Tips

• Verify First: Suggest a quick video call. Hesitant? Red flag. Use reverse image search for profile pics.

• Artificial Intelligence: AI can create fake photos, videos and even voices so be careful!

• Protect Your Info: Keep addresses, workplaces, or family details private. Lock down privacy settings.

• Meet Smart: Planning an IRL meetup? Choose public spots and tell a friend.

• Trust Your Instincts: If stories don’t add up, step back.

Want extra peace of mind? A background check can reveal criminal records or aliases. At Clear Trace Investigations we dig deep—discreetly—to confirm who’s real, saving you from heartbreak or fraud.

Keep Connecting, Stay Cautious

Online friends can be amazing, but a little caution goes a long way. Curious about someone? Contact us at Clear Trace Investigations. Tell us your stories about “red flags” and “gut instincts” related to people in the comments.

Be safe,

Bob

Clear Trace Investigations, LLC