In a world without borders it is becoming essential to check the credentials of people we hope to marry or date, do business with or employ. Gone are the days when you could place your trust in testimonials and personal references submitted by people.

The new millennium presents innovative ways one can do a background check without hurting the sentiments of any individual. The World Wide Web brings to the computer great conveniences; there are websites that host criminal records, public records, and databases using which it is possible to carry out background checks of individuals as well as companies and institutions.

When carrying out a background check it is essential to do so following the laws that govern public records and access to personal information. In general a background check entails investigation into a person or companies background to determine character, dependability, and financial standing.

While undertaking a background check keeps in mind:

1. The laws that govern the state where you are conducting the investigation. What is permissible in one place may be disallowed in another. Before beginning check the Gramm-Leach-Bililey Act (GLB), the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the drivers Privacy Protection Act, and federal laws that govern privacy matters.

2. Be sure to obtain information like name, date of birth, social security number, and permanent address of the person or company under investigation.

3. Always use websites that provide reliable information including address histories. Of the many websites the most popular and reliable are: LexisNexis, Westlaw, ChoicePoint Online, AutoTrack XP, and Accurint.

4. Determine clearly what information will be available online and what will need manual footwork. In case you are unable to do the running around yourself use a document retrieval service. There is what is known as the “public record retriever network and public record research system web” information on these can be found at sites such as http://www.publicrecordsources.com/ and http://www.brbpub.com/ .

5. Do a systematic search, think like a detective would. Check personal details, followed by driving records, financial records, and criminal records. Background checks can be done through websites that record business and professional affiliations, credit record and score websites, sites that maintain public records and criminal records. For example the Federal register, Denied Person’s List, List of Parties Debarred For Arms Export control Act Convictions and the Better Business Bureau are use sources as also black lists created and maintained by credit card and insurance companies.

6. Create a list of keywords related to the person or company and use search engines like Google, Teoma, Gigablast, and more. These are conglomerates of huge and unique databases that throw up information that is most unexpected.

Unlike a few years ago the internet has created accessible knowledge that can be used by just about anyone with Pc and internet connectivity. Background checks are viewed as not curiosity but pro-active risk management strategies. It is a question of protecting the self and business interests. The most commonly carried out checks include: verification of credentials like name and academic qualifications as well as employment; verification of personal references; health checks; performance and achievements; credit checks; and criminal record checks.

A background check can make a difference between success and despair; it is an important tool that protects you, your family, and work.