Maybe you are a potential employer who needs to know more before hiring someone. Maybe you’re a lender who needs to vouch for someone’s reliability before issuing a loan. Maybe you’re just a curious acquaintance.
Whatever your reasons, when you want to get to know someone a little better and a good old-fashioned conversation just won’t cut it, consider running a background check.
A criminal background check can reveal important information about a person’s past and present. Read on to find our more about what a criminal record check can tell you.
What Information Appears In a Background Check?
A background check can provide a wealth of information about one’s past, including, but not limited to:
- Driving records, including traffic violations.
- Vehicle registration information.
- Credit records.
- Criminal records, including details on a person’s criminal history.
- Outstanding warrants.
- Social Security number.
- Attendance at educational institutions.
- Records of past court appearances.
- Workers’ compensation information.
- History of bankruptcy.
- Character references.
- Neighbor interviews.
- Medical records.
- Any property ownership.
- Military service records.
- Any applicable state licensing on file.
- Drug test reports.
- Past employers.
- Personal references.
The amount of information available through criminal background checks might seem surprisingly extensive, but most of this information serves as part of a person’s public record.
Keep in mind that the extent of information available in a background check can vary by provider. For example, you might receive different information from a state law enforcement agency than you would receive from a federal law enforcement agency. Third-party vendors also provide robust criminal record reports and background checks.
Consult with your vendor of choice to determine the extent of information you’ll receive when you run a background check.
Have you ever run a background check? Why? What helpful information did you find? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
Driving Records
Vehicle History Reports
Criminal Records
Background Checks
Credit Reports
Public Records
Court Records
Vital Records