Final answer:
To verify identities on social media, scrutinize profiles, use reverse image searches, and look for location hints in content, while keeping your own privacy settings tight. Be cautious with personal information and monitor your accounts to prevent identity theft.
Step-by-step explanation:
To verify the identity of people contacting you on social media and ascertain their location, you need to be vigilant and use a combination of online tools and critical thinking. Initially, be skeptical of requests from individuals you do not know. You can examine the authenticity of their profiles by looking for a history of posts, mutual friends, and consistent interactions with others. Using reverse image searches for profile photos might reveal if images have been taken from other sources.
For location information, while direct geographic tracking is not typically feasible due to privacy laws and platform restrictions, you may infer someone's general location through the content they share, the time zone of their posts, or if they have location settings enabled.
However, remember that online privacy settings are crucial in controlling who can see your posts and personal information. In professional scenarios, such as job hunting, verify contact details with official company websites. Always share only the minimum information needed and monitor your credit history to check for identity theft. Leading a responsible digital life involves understanding these risks and protecting your online identity by being cautious on social media.