People Search vs. Background Check

It is easy to get confused between the difference between a people search and a background check. People search services allow you to find people, usually based on their name, location, and age. Peoples searches are popularly used by people to find the location of old friends, co-workers, roommates, relatives, ex-boyfriends and girlfriends, etc. Enough information is typically provided to give someone the confidence that this is the person they are looking for.

That is usually where the "free" stops and the "paid" people search begins. For a modest price, a detailed report is readily make available. These might include people searches for current e-mail addresses, phone numbers, addresses, and even reverse phone and cell phone directories to reestablish an old relationship.

By comparison, a background check is used on a person that you are already familiar with: a neighbor, a potential baby sitter, you local repairman, school teachers, doctors, lawyers, your insurance salesperson, or anybody that you would like to find out a little more information about prior to using their services. A small business owner would prudently want to get additional information on a potential business partner or pre-screen their new employees as part of their hiring process.

A background check digs deeper into available public records to provide a picture of a person's history. They include information about marriage, divorce, place of birth, criminal records, sexual offenses, lawsuits, property ownership, bankruptcy, etc. It's a great way to get all the pertinent facts you might need to make a decision about a person, their character, and their reliability.

If they free service satisfies your needs, then go with the free service. However, if they do not, don't be immediately scared away from the paid services. Paid people search or background services are surprisingly inexpensive. Furthermore, most of these services, provide money back guarantees if you are not completely satisfied. And, you can save money and reserve all your search needs for a year by signing up for an annual members... usually less than $30 a year.