Background checks are focused searches for public records. Instead of focusing on social media profiles and personal information, background checks locate criminal records arrest records, and court records.
While the internet’s made it easier to access public records, it’s also changed the nature of the security risks individuals and employers deal with daily. Today, there are more instances of identity theft and credit card fraud than ever before, making it necessary to take precautions to ensure you’re dealing with trustworthy people. Let’s look at how you can run an online background check and some reasons you may consider running a background check.
How can you run an online background check?
Websites make it possible to perform various tasks from the comfort of your home or office. You’ll need an internet connection and an appropriate device, such as a smartphone or computer. Pull up a people search website that checks people’s criminal records and get started.
You’ll need the person’s first and last name to run a background check online. People search sites have search tools, and you must enter the subject’s first and last name in the information boxes. You have the option of choosing a state or searching all states when you run the check. While searching one state may reduce the time it takes to access information and narrow your search results, searching all states may provide additional information if the person’s been arrested in another state. Background check tools pull information from federal and state records, ensuring your report includes information from all relevant public records.
Once you start your search, the background check tool reviews millions of public records and compiles a list of all people with that name in the state indicated when you created your search parameters. You’ll see all people with that name from every state if you select all states. The list displays photos, the person’s age, and part of their address. It also lists known relatives. Use that information to determine which profile you wish to review.
Why would you run a background check?
You can perform multiple types of checks to access information about an individual, such as marriage checks, divorce checks, and unclaimed money checks. You can also check a person’s driving and property records.
While running these checks may seem invasive, there are multiple reasons you may need to check a person’s criminal history or review their personal information. Suppose you have a property to rent. You may opt to perform checks on rental applicants to ensure you select suitable tenants. It’s natural for property owners and landlords to look for reliable tenants who’ll pay on time and won’t cause conflicts with other tenants or neighbors. Reviewing a person’s arrest records can alert you to a history of fraud charges that could suggest they may not pay their rental fees.
You may also run a check before meeting someone to sell an expensive item, such as an heirloom or vehicle. Confirming the person doesn’t have a criminal record can ensure your peace of mind when you plan to meet. You may also consider information from the report to determine if you should limit payment options to cash only or if you’re comfortable accepting a personal check.
Today, many couples meet online through dating apps, and it’s a good idea to do some research before your first face-to-face meeting. Confirming the person’s never been arrested for assault or other violent crimes can provide some peace of mind. You can also take other reasonable precautions to protect yourself when dealing with new people. Suppose you’re renting property. Ask for personal references and contact those people to ensure the applicant’s trustworthiness.
Background checks review public records and compile information about a person’s criminal history. Reviewing public records can help you make informed decisions when hiring staff, renting property, or buying or selling goods.
