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.