Whether you’re looking to hire a new background checks , verify the identity of someone on a social media profile or just want to know who’s behind those mysterious hang-ups on your phone, background checks are a popular way to uncover important information about people. These searches use online technology and sometimes in-person investigations to reveal criminal records, civil litigation, credit history and whether a person is on global watch lists or sex offender registries. Most companies offer preset packages or bundled plans that make it easy to get all the information you need at one price.

Background checks are most often used by employers to screen job applicants. These checks, also called employment checks, are regulated by federal and state laws and require written consent from the candidate. They can include criminal records at county, state and federal levels as well as driving records if the position requires regular driving or access to company vehicles. Other common checks include a check for liens on property, tax liens and judgments or bankruptcies. Some companies even conduct a fingerprint search, which is only typically done for candidates who need security clearance or will handle sensitive information.

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Individuals can also carry out a free background check by searching public records, but these searches may not include all information available or can be difficult to do without the help of experts. Some services are able to offer more detailed information, such as aliases and ownership of vehicles or concealed weapon permits. Most websites charge a monthly fee for their services and are usually rated by the Better Business Bureau or have reviews from users.