Grafton Real Estate Agent’s Dating App Match — Online Dating Safety Tips

Grafton real estate agent Mary Handeland matched a man claiming to be Mike, an engineer for a Texas defense contractor. Read online dating safety tips.

When Grafton, Wisconsin real estate agent Mary Handeland matched someone on a dating app last year, the profile looked believable. The man said his name was Mike and that he worked as an engineer for a defense contractor in Texas — a combination that can sound both impressive and trustworthy. But in the world of online dating, first impressions don’t always tell the whole story.

Mary’s experience underscores why online dating safety matters for everyone, whether you live in Grafton or farther afield. Dating app profiles often include job titles, locations and photos that seem legitimate. Keywords like engineer, defense contractor and Texas can add credibility, but they’re easy for scammers or catfishers to copy. Protecting yourself online requires both curiosity and caution.

Start by verifying details. Do a reverse image search on profile photos and look for inconsistencies across social media. If the profile claims to work for a large defense contractor, there may be professional traces — LinkedIn connections, company pages or industry references. A lack of online footprint isn’t proof of wrongdoing, but it’s a prompt to dig a little deeper.

Use video or phone calls early. A quick video chat can confirm identity far better than messages alone. If someone continually avoids live conversation or makes excuses, treat that as a red flag. Likewise, be wary if a new match quickly shifts the conversation from casual dating to personal or financial requests. No legitimate match will pressure you for money or sensitive information.

Plan safe meetups. When you do decide to meet in person, choose a public place, tell a friend where you’ll be, and keep initial meetings short and casual. Trust your instincts: if something feels off during a date, it’s okay to leave.

Report suspicious profiles to the dating app and consider blocking the user. Dating platforms often rely on reports to detect serial scammers and protect other users.

Online dating can lead to meaningful connections, but Mary Handeland’s story is a reminder to balance optimism with smart precautions. By verifying details, using video calls, guarding financial information and meeting safely, you’ll enjoy the benefits of dating apps while minimizing risk.

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