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Best Background Check Companies
Using an online background check service can offer peace of mind by providing diverse solutions for various needs.
Background check companies compile information on the background and history of individuals, such as their employment, criminal and education history, as well as previous addresses and a credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has specific requirements for companies that perform this service — make sure the company you hire complies with all relevant laws.
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Compare Top Background Check Companies
Searches numerous public records from federal, state, and county government databases. Offers two subscription plans with unlimited reports for $35 or less per month. All search inquiries are confidential and secure.
Specializes in online search services and search records. Through its public record search engine provides consumers with explanations about where information was collected and found. Mobile app available.
Background check and person search generator. Accesses criminal records, social media accounts, property records and more. Free basic searches. Trial memberships. Membership provides unlimited reports and thorough searches.
Uses public data to search for people. Search anyone in the U.S. by name, phone, email and more. Organizes white page listings and public records into personal profiles. Aggregates data using deep web crawlers.
Founded in 2015, TruthFinder gives you access to millions of public records. By using machine learning and complex algorithms, Truthfinder searches data all over the web to give you background information on just about anyone.
Offers data from public records, including criminal records, real estate deeds, commercial business records and phone directories. Starts at $24.86 per month for memberships. Gives access to unlimited records.
MyLife is a website offering a service for people concerned about information on their background reports. For a fee, MyLife monitors your background report and allows you to enhance or correct publicly available information.
Background check company available in all 50 states. Works with individuals and companies of any size. Prices start at $29.99 with options for add-on services. Criminal, education and employment verification.
PeopleFinders offers users the ability to search for public records by name, email address or phone number. It also offers special services for businesspeople who want to do a large number of background checks.
PeopleSmart offers users a way to easily search for people by name, email address or phone number. With this service, users can connect with long-lost friends or relatives as well as conduct background searches.
CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions helps landlords find out critical information about their tenants. Reports include information such as rental history, criminal background and other relevant details for landlords.
Background Check Companies Buyers Guide
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In this guide
Contents
Background check companies buyers guide
Background check companies offer screening services, often specializing in certain categories of information. While you can conduct online searches yourself, a screening company can access databases and public records that are too time-consuming for most people to go through on their own. Plus, a background check company can typically access more private information not readily available to the public.
Background investigations are most commonly used by employers or landlords to vet applicants. Background checks can contain an array of information on a person, like their credit history, driving record, criminal record and social media history.
Whether you’re looking to run a background check on someone or need to have a check run on you, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to select the best company for your scenario.
» MORE: How to check your credit score
How does a background check work?
Background checks pull information from databases, public records and the internet. If you’re undergoing a background check while applying for a job, it starts with validating your identity through your Social Security number. From there, a background check company uses databases or public records to gather information like:
- Where you’ve lived
- Where you’ve worked
- Your criminal record
While background check services can access a lot of personal information, there are strict regulations about what type of information they can disclose. Because some background checks are officially considered consumer reports, they’re covered in the FCRA, which states you must give written consent before a third-party company conducts a background check on you.
While a company reserves the right to withhold employment based on certain information in your background check, there’s a requirement to provide you with specific documentation of the incident. If inaccurate information shows up on your background check and causes you to miss a job opportunity, you have the right to dispute it within 60 days of receiving the report.
Some companies offer background checks that don’t fall under the consumer reports category and don’t require written permission. These companies search criminal records, social media and other databases for information.
These kinds of checks don’t access any information governed by the FCRA, and they can’t be used for purposes like employment screening, lease applications or credit eligibility. These services are ideal if you’re looking for friends or relatives you’ve lost touch with or gathering information on potential romantic partners from online dating sites.
» MORE: How to find a lawyer
Types of background checks
Not every person is looking for the same information when conducting background searches, so background check companies focus on different types of data based on the type of service they provide.
The information a company checks is related to the situation. A landlord might check to make sure you don’t have an eviction history, while a potential employer would be more interested in verifying your work history. Someone looking for information about a potential date, however, may be more interested in criminal records.
Credit checks
Criminal background checks
Background check companies can research court, police and other records to determine whether you have a criminal history. For employers, this information is especially important if the position is with a law enforcement agency or another government office. To access this information, background check companies frequently use county, state and federal records.
Driving records
Drug testing
Employment and education check
Employment background check companies have specific laws and regulations they must follow, so it’s essential to work with a company that’s accredited and complies with the FCRA and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA).
Sex offender registry check
Social media and internet check
While someone’s social media accounts can provide context or information on their hobbies or personality, protected information cannot be used in an employers’ hiring decision and is protected by the EEOA.
Reference checks
Background check company services
Background check companies offer multiple services, including specialties like the following:
- Employment background check companies provide employment history and verification on job candidates.
- Household employee background check companies are for those looking to hire people to work in their households.
- Tenant background check companies are for landlords who want to screen potential tenants.
- Comprehensive background check companies offer full reports that include criminal history, driving history, credit history and more.
- Online background check companies provide fast and immediate results and are typically used by those trying to find people they’ve lost touch with or check the history of neighbors or potential dates. These searches generally do not provide information governed by the FCRA.
Background check companies also offer different levels of support when it comes to collecting and analyzing the results of a check:
- Strictly testing companies simply run background checks and compile the results. These companies generally are run fully online, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
- Testing and consulting companies run checks on candidates and offer advice to clients about how to interpret the results.
- Full-service companies learn about a company's recruiting strategy and desired employee type and help clients understand test results to further develop a recruiting plan. Larger corporations with a high number of job candidates may want to use a full-service company.
Pros and cons of background check companies
Choosing and hiring a background check company requires both time and money. Before making your final selection, consider the advantages and disadvantages your company faces when you use the information gathered by a background check company.
Pros
- Enhances safety for workplace or rental property
- Ensures stronger job candidates or more responsible tenants
- Protects your company brand
Cons
- Background checks can contain false or outdated information
- Background checks take extra time and expense
- Employment laws constantly change, making it more difficult to stay FCRA-compliant
How much do background check companies cost?
Monthly costs for a background check service start at $28, but most companies offer add-ons and extra screenings for an additional cost. Fee amounts and types vary significantly between companies, often based on the types of checks done and the scope of services required.
A basic background check can cost anywhere from $20 to $40. More extensive checks can cost upward of $150. Some companies offer a la carte background checks, while others charge custom fees or bill you based on the number of searches required.
How to choose a background check company
If you decide to move forward with a background check company and need full service (versus a do-it-yourself, basic online search), the first step is determining what exact services you need. Whether it’s employee or education verification or drug testing, select a company that specializes in your preferences.
Next, discuss with the company how it adheres to the legal requirements for your state and county and remains FCRA-compliant. You never want federally protected information (such as a person’s race, age, religion, gender or any other protected characteristic) used as part of a background check.
And, of course, the ideal company should be transparent about the costs and turnaround times for your background screenings.
FAQ
Are online background checks accurate?
Online background checks are usually accurate if there’s no case of mistaken identity and the provider uses the right sources. Before hiring a background check company, ask about its credentials, such as accreditation from the Professional Background Screening Association, and whether it verifies the information it gathers. Check that the company has a physical address and phone number, as well.
What shows on a background check?
It depends on the company and service you choose. A background check may produce some or all of the following personal information:
- Full name
- Age and date of birth
- Contact information
- Relatives
- Criminal and arrest records
- Driving records
- Drug testing
- Educational and employment history
- Social media profiles
- Credit history
How long does a background check take?
A background check can take anywhere from a day to a month, depending on the intensity of the check and the information a company or employer is seeking. Online background checks that do not search for information governed by the FCRA may take minutes, but a basic background check takes approximately one to two days. Very thorough background checks, such as those conducted by the FBI, can take 30 days or more.
Can you do a background check on someone without their permission?
It depends. You can run a background check on romantic partners, roommates or coworkers without that person’s consent if the search does not provide information governed by the FCRA. Employers, lenders and landlords must obtain permission and follow strict regulations.
Are background checks anonymous?
If you are performing a background check for personal reasons, then it’s typically anonymous. But in certain situations, it is against the law to run a background check without the subject’s consent. Employers, for example, must get permission before running a background check on a job applicant.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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