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Friday, March 21st
Reputation-wise, InfoTracer is a great option for background checks. You won't find hundreds of people rushing to the BBB to claim that this is a scam: you'll get what you pay for, and lots of users have praise for the helpful, available 24/7 customer service team at this company. However, when it came to the subject of our background check, InfoTracer fell flat on its face when almost every other service on our list correctly identified the individual (and some even found him under both known aliases). You could try InfoTracer for $2.95 and see if it delivers what you need during that one-week trial, but our results (or lack thereof) have resulted in a below-average rating from us.
Spokeo is one of the most user-friendly background check platforms we've found. You won't be bombarded with flashing lights and "Did you know??” messaging here: just enter what you know of who you're searching for, and in just a minute or two, you'll see what Spokeo comes up with. It's really affordable to give it a try, at just $0.95 for a 7-day trial (which includes the report for the person you searched for). But, Spokeo absolutely missed the mark with our test case, when many rival platforms had no problem showing us the right person (and several others with the same name).
In today's digital age, having access to reliable background checks can be incredibly valuable. Whether you're curious about a new neighbor, considering a potential romantic partner, or verifying the credentials of a childcare provider, a background check can provide peace of mind. But first, let's get on the same page about what background checks are.
Background checks are comprehensive reports that compile various public records and data about an individual. These checks can include information such as identity verification (names, aliases, relatives), contact information (current and previous), social media profiles and activity, criminal records, court records, employment history (past and current), and education verification (degrees earned and schools attended).
Accessing these reports has never been easier. There are many services that pull from a wide range of databases, including criminal records, court documents, and public records. The more sources they check, the more accurate and thorough the report will be, and it goes much further than what you'll get with a basic Google search.
But, these searches don't come for free. The cost of running a background check can vary widely depending on the depth of the information and the service provider. Basic checks that include identity verification and contact information can be relatively inexpensive, often ranging from $10 to $30. More comprehensive checks that include criminal records, court documents, and employment history can cost between $50 and $100. Fortunately, many services offer subscription plans, allowing you to run multiple checks per month for one monthly fee (usually under $30).
While background checks can be incredibly useful, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. First, take results with a grain of salt. Public records can contain errors, and common names can lead to incorrect matches. Always verify critical information through multiple sources if possible. There are also legal limitations to be aware of: the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts the use of background checks for employment, tenant screening, insurance underwriting, and other purposes without explicit permission. Be sure that you are using background checks legally and ethically.
With all of that in mind, are you ready to start digging? Here are some helpful criteria you can use to choose a background check service:
To help you get the right background check service and avoid any potential pitfalls, the super-sleuths at Top Consumer Reviews have tested out some of today's most well-known providers. Investing in a good background check platform can be a worthwhile expense to give you that added peace of mind in your personal and professional life. Now get out there and see what you can find out!
Select any 2 Background Check Services to compare them head to head