Background Check

Overview

Good background check services offer the ability to obtain accurate, current and comprehensive information about any individual in the U.S. (in all 50 states).
Such companies get their information from public records taken from federal, state, county and municipal databases.

Professional service providers in this industry can quickly get hard-to-find information and compile it all into one easy-to-read document.

People use these research sites for many reasons.
Sometimes people want to have a better understanding of someone’s character, expose potential lies and discover the truth about other people they associate with.

Others may wish to verify that a person is whom he says he is or of if he has had any negative interactions with the legal system, obtain the contact information of an individual, or build a clear portrait of someone in their life.

Running a thorough background check can often provide clear answers to lots of troubling questions regarding a specific person – and sometimes, raise new ones.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) makes it illegal to use these inquiries for any purpose related to employment, tenant screening or credit screening.

However, if you’re curious about an old high-school buddy or college roommate, a new neighbor in your building, a long-lost family relative you wish to track down or a potential date you encountered online – this can be an effective tool, as long as the information is being used legally and responsibly.

Most websites offer many purchase options that can range from a single report to monthly subscriptions.
Automated background reports vary from one company to another and may include this information:

• Criminal records
• Court documents
• Marriage & divorce records
• Assets
• Personal records
• Deep web search
• Contact details

Consumer Tips: How to Avoid Background Check Scams Online

Just like any other sector that involves customers, businesses, and money that switches hands, the background investigation market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims.

Scammers use a variety of illegal, dishonest or unethical ways to con consumers.
Some websites provide little credible information compared to the high fees they charge.
Their reports often include outdated, partial, inaccurate or erroneous information which fails to deliver key data that can usually be obtained through more reliable services.

Other companies charge a fee to cancel an existing membership, make it extremely difficult to stop a subscription if the customer wishes to discontinue his monthly plan or use many other unethical billing practices.

Taking these steps will help you find more credible and reliable websites:

Work Legally

If you need a background investigation to screen a potential employee, borrower, tenant, nanny or household employee – use an FCRA compliant service only.

Investigate the Background Check Site’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
Also, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the business is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the background check website is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.