Why Free Background Checks Don't Work
With the popularity of the Internet, and the ease of using search engines to find information, many people have fallen prey to the belief that free background searches are just as comprehensive as paid searches. This could not be further from the truth. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” certainly applies when it comes to free background searches.
While many crimes may be public record, they may not show up while doing a standard search on the Internet. You may be able to find newspaper articles, or information about past lawsuits, but you will not be able to see the full picture of what has transpired in the past. Free background search sites are plentiful, but the information that they provide can usually be found by opening the phone book. In many cases, you may already have more information than the reports these sites can provide.
When it comes to dealing with criminals, it is important to understand that they are adept at hiding their behavior. This is why they are still free and why they may be continuing to commit crimes. Most criminals are not strangers to using false names, false social security numbers and false identities.
As identity theft becomes more common, the ability for a criminal to assume an identity that does not have a criminal record has become much easier. When using a free background search service, you may get a completely different picture from the truth, particularly if the criminal has picked a “clean” identity.
A paid background search will give you a more comprehensive look at someone’s past. If they have used aliases or different identities in the past, this will usually appear. You will also be able to find out if they have committed misdemeanors as well as more serious crimes that may not appear on a free report.
Free reporting sites typically do not have access to county, state and federal records. These records are not commonly available to the general public, and they certainly cannot be obtained for free. It takes time, money and resources to perform an intensive criminal background search and free sites do not have the ability to provide this for their customers.
The accuracy of the information that is provided by free background searches should also be questioned. Since their resources are limited, they may return too many names, making it harder to find the person you are looking for. If you do not have enough identifying information about the subject, it can be next to impossible to narrow down the results provided for an accurate picture.
Background checks are only useful if they are accurate, comprehensive and timely. Don’t waste your time on reports that may be out-of-date, inaccurate or lacking in something that may be important to you or your company’s future. The amount of money that you spend for a professional report will be well worth it.