When you’re moving to a neighborhood, it can be helpful to do a background check on your potential new neighbors. This can help you get a sense of who they are, what their criminal history may be, and whether or not they might pose a threat to you or your family. There are a few different ways to run a background check on someone, and the best method will depend on how much information you already have about the person in question.
Public Records Search Engine
If you only have a name and address for the person you want to check up on, your best bet is to use a public records search engine. These engines scour public databases for any information that matches the name and address you provide. This can include criminal records, property records, and court records.
The downside to using a public records search engine is that you may not always get complete information. For example, if the person you’re looking up has a common name, you may get several results back, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the right person. Additionally, some records may be sealed or not available to the public, depending on the state in which you live.
Social Media Accounts
Another option for running a background check is to look up the person’s social media accounts. This can give you some insights into their personal life, interests, and even their employment history. You may be able to find out where they went to school or if they’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.
Be aware, however, that not everyone uses social media, so this method may not work for everyone. Additionally, people can choose to share as much or as little information about themselves as they want, so you may not always get the full picture.
However, social media accounts can give you insight into their personal life, interests, and even their employment history, which can give you more info than a public records search.
Google the Person’s Name
If you’re struggling to find anything on a public records search engine or social media, your next best bet is to simply Google the person’s name. This can turn up news articles, blog posts, and other information that can help you get to know them better.
For example, if you Google someone’s name and “arrest” comes up in the results, that’s an obvious red flag. However, keep in mind that not everything you find on Google will be accurate, so take everything with a grain of salt.
Don’t forget that people can have the same name, so make sure you’re looking up the right person before drawing any conclusions.
Hiring a Background Check Service
If you’re looking for a complete picture of someone’s background, it’s best to use a professional background check service. Services such as Unmask compile information from a variety of sources, including public records, criminal databases, and sex offender registries. They also run credit checks and verify employment history.
However, these services can be expensive. Also, be certain to verify the site’s authenticity since there are many scams out there.
Additionally, the information they provide may be limited, depending on the state in which you live.
Ask Around
Another option is to simply ask around about the person in question. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers to see if anyone knows anything about them.
However, keep in mind that people’s opinions can be biased, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
Additionally, some people may not be comfortable talking about others behind their back, so this method may not work for everyone.
Look into Your Neighborhood’s Crime Rate
If you’re concerned about your safety, it’s also a good idea to look into your neighborhood’s crime rate. This can give you a better idea of the types of crimes that are being committed in your area and whether or not you should be worried about your safety.
Your local police department should have crime statistics for your area that you can review.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different ways to run a background check on your neighbors. Ultimately, the best method will depend on what information you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re only looking for basic information, a public records search engine may be all you need. However, if you’re looking for a complete picture, you may need to use a professional background check service.