Background Checks

What is a Background Check?

Broadly speaking, a background check is a way of investigating someone’s character, background and past, using public data sources and reports. Most background checks are generated automatically from data repositories maintained by private companies and state and federal governments.

What’s the difference between public records and a background check?

When people say public records, they are usually referring to civil issues such as lawsuits, traffic tickets, vital records (such as marriage, divorce, birth and death), bankruptcies and the like. When people say background check, they usually have in mind criminal records, warrant searches, arrest records and other criminal information.

What’s included in a background checks fraud recovery?

Typically, the information included on a background check will include the person’s: Age, Aliases, Date of Birth, Relatives, crimes committed, arrests, marriage and divorce records (depending on the state), bankruptcies, civil records and judgments, traffic tickets, social media information, and online presence.

Where does all of the information found on a background report come from?

Believe it or not, almost all of this information is public record by law, and is available to anyone who is willing to make the effort to search for it. Some jurisdictions make it incredibly simple, and have dedicated web portals that allow you to search. Others are stuck in the paper age, and often require an on site search in the county courthouse. This can be done by using a “court runner”, as well.