Dear Annie:

Seven years ago, I met "Dan" at college and we became fast friends. A semester later, he moved back to his home state. Even with the distance, we've grown closer over the years, e-mailing, calling and sending small gifts for birthdays and holidays.

I recently discovered that Dan might not be who I thought he was. I looked for him on our college alumni website and he's not listed. I did an Internet search based on where he lives and found him listed under a different last name and as slightly older. I know his father ruined his credit history by opening cards in his name and not paying them. Dan also once mentioned that he wanted to change his name. I don't know what to think and can't help wondering whether he's lied about anything else. How do I find out? — Wondering Wendy

Dear Wendy:

There may be a perfectly innocent reason why you are having trouble finding accurate information on Dan. Sometimes students who leave before graduation are not listed as members of that class. The person you found online at the address you checked may have been someone else altogether. So ask him directly. Explain that you couldn't find him on your college website or anywhere else and see what he says.