How Good Are The Instant Background Check Sites On The Internet?

From time to time we receive telephone calls from people that would like us to do a background check. One of the questions we are asked is if we use the “Instant Background Check” pay sites that you find on the internet (the answer is NO!). Often they have just used their credit card to order one online that gave them little or old information about their subject, none of which is even verified to be accurate for the subject in question. What they are provided with is not an actual background check and they have essentially wasted their money.


In addition, despite claims made online from companies who state they have access to a complete and accurate “National Database of Criminal Records Information” the reality is that NO SUCH DATABASE exists. To accurately search for criminal records, it must be done at the county level.

When we conduct a background check we start by verifying that the subject’s personal identifying information that was provided to us initially is correct, such as name, address, date of birth or social security number. This information is used during research to verify that the records we are looking at belong to the person in question and not someone who shares the same name. We then research, verify and analyze data collected from a wide range of sources, including physically locating and inspecting documents at the courthouse, insuring that the information is up to date and accurate.

Yes, our fee is higher for a background check than what you see advertised for the “Instant Background Check” and you do not get your information “instantly”. But what you do get is a complete, accurate and up to date background check that you can depend on and trust, along with the security of knowing that you are not wasting your money. The choice is yours.

Privacy and Confidentiality

It is not only important to do the job sufficiently and successfully, but to do the job without upsetting or damaging anyone outside of the scope of the investigation. During the course of an investigation we may uncover information that may not be associated with or pertain to the actual investigation being conducted. That information will not make it to the clients report. We are committed to upholding the privacy laws and rights of all people and believe that the confidentiality and privacy that we guaranteed our clients is also guaranteed to those individuals. The privacy of those individuals deserves our protection as well as our clients.