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Tips to Choosing the Best Background Check Site

Top10.com Staff
 Desk background check
Whether you're trying to find information about a date or you're just curious about a new co-worker, a Background Check company is going to offer you the details that you won't be able to find out just by speaking to your friends. Before choosing a company, however, it's important that you know what features to look for.

By choosing a reputable background check site, you can be certain you're getting accurate information you can trust. Here are some things to look out for before handing over your information:

Take Some Time to Research

The Internet is your friend when it comes to a background check company. Go to the company’s website and confirm that they address all of your questions and concerns. You want a transparent site that takes the time to answer what you need. 

Find Referrals

Referrals are your best friend. Whether they're for choosing a contractor for your house or for choosing a dentist, a Background Check company should be no different. Ask a business owner or even refer to some credible forums online to see which services they use. Perform a quick reviews search to see what other people are saying about a particular company. If everyone says to run, it's a good idea to listen to their advice.

Be Wary of Instant Searches

As tempting as signing up for an instant background search is, they don't always work. Keep in mind that there's no national database for criminal records, and the public information that is widely available online isn't always accurate. A good company will take their time to make sure the report is 100% correct before sending it to you. While some instant information can be right, you don't want to gamble.

Look For Real People and Real Support

A good company won't hide behind its website and avoid contact from customers, and would provide different ways to get in touch. Since there's a good chance that you're going to use this company down the road, you want a business partner, not a data generator.

Check if They Belong to Any Associations

In any industry, there are going to be a variety of associations that the company can join. Reputable background check companies will belong to associations, such as the National Association of Professional Background Screeners and the Better Business Bureau.

Make Sure They're FCRA Compliant

If you are looking to use a Background Check site, or any consumer reporting agency, it's necessary to check that the provider is compliant with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. If it is not compliant, you may not use the information it provides to make decisions about insurance, or any other purposed that would require FCRA compliance.

Bonus Items to Look for

If the company you're researching meets most of the criteria mentioned above, that's great. However, there are a few more things to look for to make your Background Check as thorough as possible, such as:

  • A range of detailed checks and searches

  • Easy-to-search database

  • A guaranteed service

  • Easy-to-read pricing tiers

  • Packages for long-term customers

Be sure to shop around when choosing a Background Check site. Make sure to find a company that feels right to you. By doing so, you can be assured that every report that lands in your hand is trustworthy.

Top10.com Staff
Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors and writers with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.

Note: Some or all background search services featured on this site are not subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA") In order to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance, make sure you choose the appropriate service for you. Be advised that only consumer reporting agencies may provide consumer reports. This is applicable, but not limited to, a background search, credit background check, criminal background check, and/or driving record.